Start semester with fresh batteries, fire safety information

Does your house or apartment have a working smoke detector? Have you changed the 9-volt battery since the beginning of the fall semester?

In the wake of two serious fires affecting University of Wisconsin–Madison students, a coalition led by the Offices of the Dean of Students and the Madison Fire Department is urging students to take time to check their smoke detectors to ensure that the units are operating, and never disable the unit or "borrow" the battery for other uses.

To help kick off the campaign and give student smoke detectors a boost, 1,980 free Rayovac 9-volt batteries will be distributed to UW–Madison students on a first-come, first-served basis as part of Fire Safety Awareness Week.

Spectrum Brands has donated 1,260 batteries to augment an additional 630 purchased by UW–Madison’s Dean of Students Campus Safety Task Force and the Campus Area Housing Listing Service of Visitor and Information Programs (VIP).

The effort comes on the heels of a fatal fire at 123 N. Bedford St. on Nov. 18 and a Nov. 10 incident at 505 N. Carroll, which displaced dozens of students from an apartment building.

"We’ve all accidentally set off our smoke detectors by burning toast or used the battery to fix a remote control," says UW–Madison Dean of Students Lori Berquam. "But because of last semester’s tragic events, we’ve all learned how vital it is for every house and apartment to have a working smoke detector."

Madison Fire Chief Debra Amesqua urges all students to take a few moments to assess the fire safety of their home, room or apartment to start the semester.

Smoke alarms should be tested to ensure they are working every month. The battery in a smoke alarm should be changed when the low battery alarm sounds, twice a year or when you’re unsure of how old the battery is, she adds.

"We are delighted to be working with the University of Wisconsin on this initiative to keep students and the community at large safer," Amesqua says.

The battery giveaways will be conducted from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24, on the first floor of Union South and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25, on the first floor of Memorial Union.

"We’re really happy to help out by providing Rayovac batteries, but more importantly, helping to improve fire safety and smoke detector awareness for UW–Madison students," says Rayovac Director of Marketing Kelly Stelzer.

As part of the campaign, students have two other ways to benefit from checking their smoke detectors and learning about fire safety. Safety information for on-campus housing is also stressed. 

• During each of the battery giveaway days, students living in University Housing and off-campus will also have the opportunity to pick up safety information, free magnets and participate in a fire safety quiz. Those completing a perfect quiz will be entered into a drawing to win one of six $100 gift certificates to University Book Store. The donation of gift certificates comes from Tallard Apartments and the Madison Landlord Council. Landlords play a major role in this effort by complying with city ordinances and ensuring that working smoke detectors are installed in every house and apartment room.

• Students living in off-campus houses and apartments also have one additional incentive to "do their homework" and keep smoke detectors working on Wednesday, Jan. 30, and Thursday, Jan. 31. On those days, members of the City of Madison Fire Department (MFD) Community Education Unit will accompany Ian’s Pizza-State Street drivers as they make deliveries in the campus area. If a student chooses to invite the MFD officers in, they will enter and inspect the house or apartment smoke alarms. If the units are found to be in good working order, the pizza will be free; if not, MFD will provide new, free batteries and safety information.The promotion will be available on a limited number of randomly selected delivery orders between 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 30-31. To order and have a chance to participate, call (608) 257-9248.

"We are particularly grateful to Spectrum Brands, Ian’s Pizza and all of our coalition partners for their generous participation in this program," says Berquam.

CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY RESOURCES

• 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 or if you have been drinking.
• Fire extinguishers: Buy a fire extinguisher for your apartment or house and consider keeping it in your kitchen. Know how and when to use it, but more importantly, know when to evacuate.
• 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 general questions about safety in your apartment or house, please call the Madison Fire Department at (608) 266-4709.