Students urged to assess fire safety

In the wake of Nov. 18’s tragic downtown fire, University of Wisconsin–Madison students are being urged to take time to inspect their houses, apartments or residence hall rooms for potential fire risks.

The fatal fire at 123 N. Bedford St. was the second affecting UW–Madison students in just more than a week. A Nov. 10 incident at 505 N. Carroll displaced dozens of students from an apartment building.

"Our hearts go out to all of the students and their families affected during each of these difficult events," says Dean of Students Lori Berquam. "We deeply appreciate the assistance from the Madison police and fire departments, the Red Cross and other agencies. As dean, it is my hope to avoid a repeat of these incidents."

The causes of both recent fires remain under investigation. However, Berquam, in cooperation with the Madison Fire Department, is asking students to take a few moments before leaving for the Thanksgiving holiday to take steps to reduce their fire risk.

"I’m always asking students to pay attention to safety," says Berquam. "Our challenge is to recognize that fire safety in our homes, apartments and rooms is as important as personal safety on campus or State Street."

Several universal fire safety tips include:

• Smoke detectors and fire alarm systems: Every bedroom should have a smoke alarm, whether it is part of an alarm system or a standalone battery-powered unit. Never disable a smoke detector, and change batteries every spring and fall. If you don’t have smoke detectors, contact your landlord. If landlords are not responsive to your call, tenants can contact the city’s Neighborhood Preservation and Inspection Division, (608) 266-4551.
• Smoking: Take great care with lit candles, incense, space heaters or cigarettes. These items are prohibited in University Housing. Never leave anything burning while you sleep.
• Fire extinguishers: Buy a fire extinguisher for your apartment or house and consider keeping it in your kitchen.
• Fire escapes and escape plan: Every apartment should have at least two exits. Come up with an escape plan and a meeting point. If your apartment has fire escapes, know how to access them.
• Electrical hazards: Never overload electrical outlets by plugging in too many pieces of electronic equipment. Keep wires out in the open and never under a carpet.
• Cooking: Never leave stoves or ovens unattended while they are in use. If a fire occurs while you are cooking, smother the fire instead of using water. Baking soda can be used to put out a grease fire, but keep in mind this is only for small fires still in the pan. If you aren’t sure, get out of the house and call 911.
• Deciding where to live: Keep fire safety in mind before signing a lease. Ask potential landlords about the availability of fire alarm systems, sprinklers and smoke detectors. Also consider calling the city Building Inspection Unit, (608) 266-4551, to research whether a building has had violations. (Remember to have the exact address on hand.) Or call the Madison Fire Department, (608) 266-4420, and ask for fire activity and fire code violations for the address.
• Insurance: According to the Red Cross, many people do not understand what renters insurance can do for them. Insurance can assist in financial and emotional recovery from disasters. If you rent an apartment or house, renters insurance will reduce the financial hardship of fire, theft or other disasters. Most renters insurance costs less than $12 a month in most areas.

If you have been affected by either of these incidents and are in need of help, please call the Offices of the Dean of Students at (608) 263-5700.

If you have general questions about safety in your apartment or house, please call the Madison Fire Department at (608) 266-5947.