Ball State University student carelessness is the main cause of fires in off-campus housing, David Miller, Muncie Fire Department chief investigator, said.
After two recent fires at Walnut Manor, Miller will speak to Walnut Manor residents Thursday about fire safety.
Food left burning and careless smoking also lead to accidental fires, he said.
"Smoke detectors are the most important tool a student has in fire prevention," he said.
Miller said the amount of lives saved by smoke detectors is innumerable.
Landlords are responsible for providing smoke detectors, but tenants are responsible for maintaining them, he said. A common mistake students make is taking the batteries out of smoke detectors, he said.
"Do not take the batteries out of the smoke detector unless you are replacing them," Miller said.
He said a firefighter can issue a warning if a smoke detector is missing or has been tampered with. The tenant will be given 15 days to resolve the matter, Miller said.
The tenant is given a number to call when the problem has been fixed and, Miller said, an investigator will arrive to make sure the issue has been rectified. He said a fine could be given if the issue has not been resolved.
If possible, students need to have an escape route with two planned exits, Miller said. Students also need to practice their escape route, he said, and window ladders for upstairs rooms are also a good idea.
Shawna Jansing, a junior elementary education major, said she lives off-campus and has a window ladder in her second-story bedroom.
"The last fire drill I had was in high school," Jansing said.
Alan Hargrave, associate dean of student affairs director of housing and residence life, said residence halls are required to have one evacuation drill per semester. Evacuation routes are on the back of every student's door, he said.
Resident assistants are given training on fire extinguishers, evacuation routes and protocol, he said.
Freshman elementary education major Krystal Taylor lives in LaFollette Complex and she said she takes fire safety for granted.
"I really don't think about it," she said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
