Help the University stay safe from flames.
By: Caydince Bumpus, Contributor
With all the fire accidents going on this last semester, The free press thought it would be a good idea to gather some tips on how to be safe for the upcoming semester. Brandon Brichetto, a Captain with the Gorham Fire Department has reached out to give some tips that he thinks are important for all USM students to follow. Captain Brichetto graduated from USM in December of 2018, he studied Therapeutic Recreation. The following are the tips that Captain Brichetto has graciously shared with us:
- Don’t ignore the fire alarm: These may go off on the regular and it may seem like it’s just another false alarm or someone burning bacon for the fourth time this week but if you choose to ignore it, it may strand you in the case of an emergency.
- Clean Up: We understand that this may be the first time you’re away from your caregivers and that gives you the freedom to do what you want but clean up! It will allow you to have a clear exit path and ensure that you will not trip over anything in the dark.
2.5. Clean Up Take 2: Clean up your electrical outlets– no, that does not mean spray clean them. This means for you to unplug your stuff you’re not using and to not overload them. Use a surge protector when possible and don’t use any extension cords. Be careful when charging any type of battery within your dorm room.
- No open flames or heat plates: Campus has these rules for a reason. Avoid having that urge to light a candle or burn incense. It could save you from having a fire in your room.
- Don’t hang stuff from the sprinklers or sprinkler pipes: Space in the dorm can be limited for clothing and you may have that really cool tapestry that you want to hang but avoid hanging stuff from the sprinkler or sprinkler pipes. If the sprinkler pipe or sprinkler head is damaged, it could cause the system to activate or leak which will cause a lot of damage to the dorm and your stuff.
Reminder for all USM students living in dorms: Residential Life asks that we refrain from using extension cords. If you have one in your dorm you’re actually breaking the rules that you have agreed to. As of right now, there is nothing to be said about Lithium batteries and how to safely take care of them, as that has been our campus’s problems with the fires that have occurred in Upton-Hastings. However, it has been said that you cannot throw away lithium batteries or any rechargeable batteries in the trash. What you can do is find a place that knows how to properly dispose of them. Following the tips that Captain Brichetto gave to us is a great way to stay safe in the upcoming semesters. Winter is coming, but there are safer ways to stay warm.