10 Fire Safety Tips Every College Student Needs to Know

Heading off to college is an exciting time for students and parents alike. Living alone for the first time gives young adults more freedom and choices. But that independence also comes with new responsibilities, including knowing how to prevent and respond to a fire.

Stay Prepared for College

Whether your student is getting ready to live in a dorm, apartment, or off-campus house, now is the time to build simple fire safety habits that can provide peace of mind and help save lives.

Download our College Fire Safety Checklist, featuring the 10 tips below plus a fire escape plan on the back that students can fill out for their dorm, apartment, or off-campus house.

Campus fire safety is one of the first things students should learn about before settling into college life.

Let’s take a look at 10 college fire safety tips every student — and parent — should know before move-in day:

1. Take cooking safety seriously
Did you know? Cooking is the number one cause of fires in the United States, and campus housing is no exception. About 80% of dorm fires involve cooking equipment, such as hot plates and air fryers. Stoves, microwaves, and ovens pose a risk in off-campus housing.

To prevent kitchen fires, only cook in designated areas, and never leave food on the stove unattended. Keep items that can catch fire, like food packaging, mail, or dish cloths, away from the stove.

If you’re tired, distracted, or have been drinking, skip the cooking. Trying to cook while intoxicated increases the chance of falling asleep, forgetting about food, or making a risky decision in the moment.

What to do if you have a cooking fire: On the stovetop, put a lid on the pan or skillet to smother the flames, then turn off the burner. Never pour water on a grease fire, and don’t try to move the pan outside or to your sink. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. If the fire does not go out quickly, get out and call 911.

2. Use caution with candles
There’s a reason most campus housing policies don’t allow candles in dorm rooms or apartments. Exposed flames in tight spaces can become dangerous quickly, especially when they’re near flammable curtains, bedsheets, papers, or aerosol sprays.

Ditch the candles for flameless alternatives like scented wall plug-ins, reed diffusers, or LED lights.

3. Don’t overload outlets
Multiple students living in one space means multiple sets of electronics. Between laptops, phones, mini fridges, lamps, gaming systems, hair appliances, and other electronics, all the cords can add up quickly.

If you need more outlets, use a surge protector with overload protection. Don’t plug multiple power strips into one another (also known as “daisy-chaining”). Likewise, don’t plug large appliances or high-energy electronics into extension cords. If a cord is damaged or frayed, don’t use it.

4. Know how to use a fire extinguisher
Take a minute to locate the nearest fire extinguisher in your dorm. If you live in off-campus housing, you may need to purchase your own. For many living spaces, an ABC fire extinguisher is the best option.

Just as important as having a fire extinguisher on hand is knowing how to use it. Only use a fire extinguisher on a small fire with your back to the exit. A helpful way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher is the acronym P.A.S.S.:

Pull the pin.
Aim at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle.
Sweep side to side.

If a fire starts, call 911 immediately. Even if you think the fire is out, it’s worth having the fire department complete an inspection to make sure.

5. Test smoke alarms
Working smoke alarms can save lives, giving you more time to exit in an emergency. When choosing off-campus housing, make sure there are working smoke alarms on every level, inside every bedroom, and outside sleeping areas.

Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.

6. Always have an out
This safety tip applies to virtually any space: dorm rooms, apartments, classrooms, bars, crowded house parties — anywhere you spend time. Always know two ways to get out of a room. If you feel uncomfortable somewhere, trust your instincts and leave.

In an emergency, use the stairs, not an elevator. If you live above the first floor in an off-campus house or apartment, consider investing in a portable escape ladder.

7. Take alarms seriously
It’s easy to assume a fire alarm is just a drill or false alarm, especially in a dorm setting. Mistakes happen, and alarms can be set off by burnt food or steam. The truth is, fires can spread quickly, and waiting to find out whether an alarm is “real” can cost you valuable time.

If an alarm goes off, don’t waste time trying to grab personal items. Leave quickly. Talk with your roommates ahead of time and choose a safe place to meet outside in case of a fire.

8. Practice safe sleeping habits
Sleeping with your door closed can help slow the spread of smoke, heat, and flames, giving you more time to wake up and get out in the event of an emergency.

It’s also smart to keep charging devices off your bed. Phones, laptops, and chargers can overheat when covered by blankets or pillows. Charge them on a hard, flat surface instead.

9. Know smoking safety
While many campuses are smoke-free, be aware of the risks of smoking in off-campus housing or other permitted areas. Cigarettes should be fully extinguished and discarded in proper containers — not trash cans. Never smoke in bed or anywhere you could fall asleep.

10. Remember the basics
In a fire, every second matters. Get out, stay out, and call 911. Alert roommates or neighbors if you can do so safely, but don’t put yourself at risk.

If you see smoke, stay low to the ground. If a door feels hot, keep it closed and use another way out. Once you’re outside, don’t try to go back inside until emergency responders say it’s safe.

Stay Prepared. Enjoy College!
Whether your student is getting ready to live in a dorm, apartment, or off-campus house, now is the time to build simple fire safety habits that can provide peace of mind and save lives.

Want to keep these tips handy? Our College Fire Safety one-pager includes the 10 tips above, plus a fire escape plan on the back that students can fill out for their dorm, apartment, or off-campus house.

At Silco, fire safety is what we do every day. We help colleges, schools, businesses, and property owners protect their people and property with reliable fire protection products, installation, and support. From fire extinguishers and fire alarms to sprinkler systems, exit and emergency lighting, and even live fire training classes, we are your trusted partner for all your fire safety needs.

We care about creating a safe campus culture because we’re the parents and family members of college students, too. Learn more about Silco’s fire protection services and contact our team to see how we can help protect what matters most to you.

Fire Safety for Food Trucks: Everything You Need to Pass Your Fire Inspection

Launching your own food truck business is exciting. You’ve perfected your recipes, purchased your vehicle, and wrapped it in your branding. You’re ready to hit the road and get to work, right? Not so fast.

Before serving customers from a mobile kitchen, every food truck must pass a series of inspections. That includes fire safety inspections.

Food truck fire safety is important, but it doesn’t need to be overly complicated. With the right fire protection equipment and expert support, you can stay compliant and protect your business and customers.

Here’s what you should know about food truck fire safety:

Food Trucks Have Unique Fire Safety Risks
Food trucks combine several unique fire and safety risk factors in one compact place, including:

  • Hot cooking equipment (flat-top griddles, ranges, deep fryers, salamanders)
  • Grease and oils
  • Propane tanks
  • Portable generators
  • Electrical equipment
  • Small, crowded workspaces

It’s not just the truck itself that poses a risk. Food trucks are often parked near other food trucks and vehicles, buildings, tents, or event crowds. Food truck fire safety is about protecting your business, but also your people, your customers, and any bystanders.

What Fire Safety Equipment Does a Food Truck Need?
Food truck fire safety requirements can vary by city, county, state, and even the event venue. The local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has the final say on enforcing code requirements and approving equipment, materials, and procedures required to operate your food truck in a specific area.

That said, most food truck owners should be prepared to have the following fire safety essentials in place:

Food Truck Kitchen Suppression System
If your food truck uses cooking equipment that produces grease-laden vapors, an automatic kitchen suppression system is typically required.

Automatic kitchen fire suppression systems are installed in the ventilation hood of your food truck’s kitchen. When extreme heat or fire is detected, the system automatically releases a fire-suppressing agent through overhead nozzles directly onto the cooking equipment. Automatic kitchen suppression systems will also cut off the gas supply or power to prevent reignition. These systems can be activated manually if needed.

Silco specializes in installing UL 300 kitchen suppression systems for food trucks and standard commercial kitchens alike. Our expert team understands how to fit food truck kitchen suppression systems in tight spaces while meeting the compliance requirements of a mobile kitchen.

Hood Ventilation
Food trucks cooking with grease, fats, or oils require Type I hoods for proper ventilation. These hoods capture and contain grease-laden vapors and smoke, preventing grease buildup around the cooking area and throughout the exhaust system. Type I hoods should be cleaned regularly and inspected semi-annually.

Fire Extinguishers
It’s important to note that fire extinguisher size and placement requirements vary by the AHJ where your food truck operates. Some jurisdictions require only a 5-pound ABC fire extinguisher, while others may require additional protection based on factors such as whether your food truck uses deep fryers or a generator.

  • ABC Fire Extinguishers are versatile and can be used to extinguish fires involving other combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper, or plastic. Use commercial-grade ABC extinguishers with a metal head (not plastic).
  • Class K Fire Extinguishers are designed to put out fires involving cooking oils or animal fats. Using a non-class K extinguisher on a grease fire will be ineffective and could even make the fire worse. Class K fire extinguishers are required in almost all mobile food units that cook with oils and grease, in addition to ABC extinguishers.

Make sure your fire extinguishers are easily accessible and that everyone on your staff knows how to use them. Perform visual checks monthly and schedule professional fire extinguisher inspections annually.

Horn Strobes
Food trucks often operate in very crowded areas. If a fire breaks out, alerting staff, customers, and surrounding bystanders quickly can make all the difference. Consider installing a horn strobe system on the outside of your truck that activates with your kitchen suppression system for added peace of mind.

Inspecting Food Truck Fire Safety Equipment: When, How, Where
For food trucks with a kitchen suppression system, professional inspections are typically required every six months. Additionally, some AHJs or event organizers require proof of current inspections before issuing permits or allowing food trucks to participate in festivals or events.

Silco provides food truck fire safety services to help mobile kitchen owners maintain compliance and protect their business. Our expert team can help with kitchen suppression system installation, maintenance inspections, commercial fire extinguishers, and code-related questions.

Depending on your location and needs, our technicians can perform these inspections either on-site or at one of our Silco offices.

Buying a Food Truck? Put Fire Safety First
If you’re buying a new or used food truck, you can’t afford to compromise on safety. Pre-built, imported food trucks often lack critical fire safety features, especially when it comes to compliant kitchen suppression systems.

Before you buy, ask:

  • Does the truck already have a kitchen suppression system installed?
  • If so, is the system approved and certified as UL 300 to meet the industry fire-testing standard?
  • When was the kitchen suppression system last inspected?
  • Are the fire extinguishers commercial-grade and up to date?
  • Does the truck have a Type I hood if it uses grease-producing equipment?
  • Are propane tanks, fuel lines, and generators installed safely?
  • Will the truck meet requirements in the areas you plan to operate?

Food trucks are a major investment, and for many owners, the truck is their business. Failing to meet fire safety requirements can lead to delayed openings, fines and citations, or revoked permits. Not to mention, if a fire occurs, the right equipment can help prevent your mobile kitchen from becoming a total loss. Having a fire protection professional install the proper equipment from the start will help you keep your truck on the road and avoid costly surprises later on.

Schedule a Food Truck Fire Safety Inspection
Ready to outfit your food truck with compliant and reliable fire safety equipment?

Contact Silco today to learn more about installing fire safety equipment on your food truck or to schedule a convenient food truck fire safety inspection either on-site or at one of our locations.

Whether you’re launching a new business or getting ready for the busy season, we’re here to help you protect your food truck with best-in-class fire safety products, service, and support.

Your Spring Safety & Fire Protection Checklist

Spring is in full swing, and it’s the perfect season to get organized and take a fresh look at your surroundings. If you’re a property owner or building manager, now is the time to conduct a thorough review of your safety procedures and fire protection systems.

How Do Seasonal Transitions Impact Fire Safety?
Winter brings cold weather, more time spent indoors, and potential clutter buildup that can create hazards. As the seasons change, spring offers an opportunity to reset and reassess how your space is really being used.

Whether you manage a large warehouse, office space, or multi-tenant property, a simple check-in can help you stay compliant and ensure your people and property are protected year-round.

Your Spring Safety & Fire Protection Checklist
As you prepare your space for warmer weather, here are some key safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Consider what’s changed over the winter.
First, take some time to think about what may have changed about your building and how it’s been used over the past few months. If you own rental property, do you have new tenants? How are they using the space? Maybe you manage a warehouse that has seasonal fluctuations in inventory. Changes to your building may require adjustments to your fire and safety procedures.

2. Walk your entire property, inside and out.
Next, do a thorough visual inspection of your space to spot potential hazards, such as:

  • Clutter in stairways, which can block exit routes in an emergency
  • Flammable products and combustible materials in cabinets or enclosed storage spaces
  • Fire alarms, extinguishers, or first aid kits hidden behind boxes or equipment
  • Sprinkler heads blocked by high warehouse storage or shelving

Safety doesn’t stop at your building. Look around your entire property for outdoor hazards such as wooden pallets, fallen branches, dry brush, or debris that could pose a risk. Do you have outdoor fire pits or grills on your property? Be sure they’re clean, well-maintained, and in proper working condition before use.

3. Inspect fire extinguishers.
Fire extinguishers should be checked monthly by building owners and at least annually by a professional. During your monthly visual check, make sure each fire extinguisher is easily accessible, free from damage, and properly charged. If you are in doubt, contact your fire extinguisher supplier.

Spring is also a great time to schedule fire extinguisher training to ensure you and your team feel confident and prepared in case of a fire emergency.

4. Review inspection schedules.
Check your records and make sure any fire extinguishers, sprinklers, and alarms are scheduled for professional inspection at the required intervals.

5. Evaluate electrical safety.
During the winter months, it’s common to rely on extension cords for space heaters or extra lighting. Remember, extension cords are for short-term use only. When multiple cords are linked together or “daisy-chained,” it can overload circuits and create a major fire hazard.

6. Restock emergency supplies.
Check first-aid kits and ensure bloodborne pathogen kits are fully stocked and readily accessible. Even if the kit appears full, some items may expire over time and need to be replaced.

7. Refresh your team on emergency procedures.
Do your employees know what to do and where to go in the event of a fire? What about a severe weather event or security breach? Spring is a great time to refresh your team on emergency procedures and ensure everyone understands their role in keeping themselves and others safe.

We recommend conducting a spring fire drill to put those plans into practice. Take your time to walk through the procedures step by step. It’s also a good opportunity to take a fresh look at your signage and confirm designated muster locations where employees and guests assemble during a building evacuation.

What to Leave to the Professionals
There’s a lot you can do in-house to make sure your building is safe and secure. However, some aspects of fire protection should always be handled by trained professionals.

For example, confined spaces like fire vaults or pits can contain hazardous gases and require specialized equipment to perform a safe inspection. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to call in an expert in fire protection services.

What’s the Cost of Skipping Inspections?
Falling out of compliance by missing inspections or overlooking safety hazards has serious consequences. Fire departments will issue citations if required systems aren’t maintained and inspected in accordance with regulations. They can and will shut down operations if your building is out of compliance, which means lost profits and wages. Insurance companies are also likely to deny claims if inspections are overdue or systems aren’t functioning properly.

Beyond compliance, your fire and safety systems exist to protect what matters most. In an emergency, they help ensure your people exit safely and have a place to come back to.

Spring Into Safety with Silco
Take some time this spring to check your systems, clear potential hazards from your property, and confirm your inspections are up to date. A few proactive steps now will help ensure your facility is fully prepared for any emergency.

Silco is here to help every step of the way. From fire extinguisher inspections and maintenance to hands-on training and security support, we help you protect your people and property. Get in touch with our team today to learn more.

Professional Fire Systems Training at Silco’s James A. Fraser Training Center

Fire safety often begins with reducing everyday risks and arming yourself with the knowledge to respond confidently in an emergency. Silco’s state-of-the-art James A. Fraser Training Center in Columbus, Ohio, provides hands-on fire systems training designed to help teams better understand how life safety systems work, respond, and integrate in real-world environments.

Featuring two fully equipped classrooms, advanced audiovisual capabilities, a water-based suppression lab, and dedicated spaces for kitchen and gaseous suppression systems, the center is designed to support immersive, real-world learning. All equipment is fully functional and can be disassembled and reassembled for instructional purposes—ensuring participants gain practical experience with the systems they encounter in the field.

Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)

To support ongoing professional development, CEU credits are available for Ohio fire service professionals. CEU availability varies based on state laws and organizational requirements, and our team can assist with the CEU approval process if your organization requires review. Attendance certificates are available upon request.

Class Breakdown

Our training program covers a wide range of topics, including General Firefighter Awareness, Fire System Basics, and Fire Inspector Knowledge.

Below, you’ll find an overview of the core classes available at our Columbus fire systems training center.

Firefighter’s Basic Awareness Class
Designed for fire service professionals, the firefighter’s basic awareness class includes three sessions:

1. Tour of Fire Alarm Control Panel Exhibits (90 minutes)

This session features multiple live fire alarm demonstration panels, including:

  • Addressable and conventional fire control equipment
  • Smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detection
  • Low-frequency alert, strobe, horn, and voice evacuation devices
  • High-rise evacuation and emergency simulations
  • Elevator recall and smoke control simulation
  • Reset procedures for emergency activation, pull stations, and control panels

2. Tour of the Live Water-Based Protection Systems Exhibit (90 minutes)

Participants will explore:

  • Wet, dry, and pre-action sprinkler risers and controls
  • Foam and standpipe system examples
  • Fire department connection (FDC)
  • Water motor gongs
  • Electronic monitoring of waterflow, tamper, and low air
  • Fire pump and jockey pump examples
  • UL-listed fire air compressors
  • Riser-mounted air compressor (coming soon)

3. Tour of the Suppression Systems Lab (60 minutes)

Hands-on learning includes:

  • Kitchen suppression equipment and examples
  • Captive Aire hood demonstrations
  • Link-style, pneumatic tubing, and electronic detection
  • Mechanical and electric gas valve examples
  • Residential kitchen hood suppression
  • Operational CO₂ fire suppression system
  • Pre-action sprinkler head activation example

Custom Fire Training Classes
If the options above don’t fit your needs, we can tailor a session on request to focus on the systems and scenarios most relevant to your facility, team, or organization.

Schedule a Session at Silco’s Training Center Today
Ready to strengthen your team’s understanding of fire protection systems? Schedule a visit to Silco’s James A. Fraser Training Center by completing the Schedule Training form, emailing training@silcofs.com, or calling 614-449-2101.