Educating students on what they can do to stay safe during the school year is important and often overlooked. College students living away from home should take a few minutes to make sure they are living in a fire-safe environment with our easy-to-read tip sheet.

“Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With!” is NFPA’s official theme for Fire Prevention Week (FPW), October 3-9. This year's campaign is designed to educate people about the importance of smoke alarms and encourages everyone to take the steps necessary to update and maintain their home smoke alarm protection. Check out our teacher and kids and families sections for great free resources and start planning your campaign today!

 Q: My son is going away to college, what is the most important thing I should talk to him about regarding fire safety in the dorms? -- Ken, Lebannon, Maine

 A: The first thing I would do is make sure the residence where your son will be living is fully sprinklered. You also want to be sure there are smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside every sleeping area and on every level. The rest will be the fire safety sense you have instilled in your child over the years – get outside and stay outside when the alarm sounds and follow the school’s fire safety rules regarding smoking, cooking and candles. And finally, encourage your son to leave any situation that does not feel safe. Keep reminding him about safety – I still remind my 21 year old, his safety is my number one concern. -- Judy Comoletti, NFPA Public Education Division Manager

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