THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 Page 21 September is College Fire Safety Month Fire Offi cials Emphasize Working Smoke Alarms and Two Ways Out S TOW — With thousands of new and returning college students settling into dorms, apartments, and other living spaces, Massachusetts fi re offi - cials are reminding them, their resident advisors, and others to be sure they have working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, and two ways out in an emergency. As Massachusetts kicks of College Fire Safety Month, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said 2,538 fi res occurred in college dormitories, fraternities, and sororities in Massachusetts between 2019 and 2023. These fires caused three civilian injuries, 11 fi re service injuries, and more than $2.5 million in estimated damages. More campus fi res were reported in September than in any other month, and unsafe cooking practices were the most common cause. He said fire officials are also concerned about fire safety in apartments and other types of off-campus student housing, where two Massachusetts college students died in separate, unrelated fires in 2013. Statewide, almost 50% of residential fi res in Massachusetts take place in apartment buildings and other multi-family dwellings. “It doesn’t matter whether you live in a dorm, apartment, Greek housing, or one- or two-family home,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Everyone should have working smoke and CO alarms on every level of their residence, and test them monthly to be sure they’re working properly. Never, ever disable an alarm, and don’t waste precious time retrieving personal belongings if you hear it sound — just get out, stay out, and call 9-1-1.” “If you’ve just moved into a new living space, take some time to identify two ways out of your unit and the building — and two ways out of each room, if possible,” said Foxborough Fire Chief Michael Kelleher, president of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts. “Plan and practice your escape routes before you need to use them in an emergency. Today’s residential fi res burn faster than ever before, and they create toxic smoke that can travel throughout the home. A practiced home escape plan could save your life.” While September has been designated as College Fire Safety Month, State Fire Marshal Davine and Chief Kelleher said fi re safety should be a priority all year long. Windows, doors, and stairways should always be clear of boxes, furniture, bicycles, and any other obstructions so you can escape and fi refi ghters can enter in an emergency. Fire doors should never be blocked or propped open. Working alarms, clear exit routes, and practicing a plan for using them are crucial for when a fi re breaks out, but students can also take steps to prevent them from starting in the fi rst place: • Cooking: Stand by your pan! Don’t leave pots and pans unattended on a lit stovetop, and keep flammable items away from burners. In the event of a grease fi re, smother the fl ames with a lid and then turn off the heat. Cook only when you’re alert, not when you’re drowsy or impaired. Aging in Place? AmeriGlide offers affordable stair lifts to keep you safe on the stairs. Regain your independence Eliminate the risk of falls on the stairs Access all levels of your home CALL NOW TO ON ANY STAIR LIFT! SAVE $200 1-844-237-6716 Discount Tree Service 781-269-0914 Humane Removal Service COMMONWEALTH WILDLIFE CONTROL ANIMAL & BIRD REMOVAL INCLUDING RODENTS CALL 617-285-0023 Call today and r FREE SHOWER PLUS $1600 OFF 1-844-609-1066 With purchase of a new Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Not applicable with any previous walk-in tub purchase. Offer available while supplies last. No cash value. Must present offer at time of purchase. CSLB 1082165 NSCB 0082999 0083445 * Crack Repairing * Pot Hole Filling * Striping Handicapped Spaces * Free Estimates Tom’s Seal Coating Call Gary: 978-210-4012 • Lithium-Ion Batteries: Use the charging equipment provided by the manufacturer and disconnect it when the device is charged. Charge phones, laptops, e-cigarettes, e-bike batteries, and other devices on a hard and stable surface — never a bed, couch, or pillow. If you notice an unusual odor, change in color, change in shape, leaking, or odd noises, stop using the device right away. If you can do so safely, move it away from anything that can burn and call your local fi re department. • Smoking: There is no safe way to smoke, but if you must smoke then do it responsibly. Don’t flick cigarettes or other smoking materials on the ground, where they can smolder and ignite debris, or grind them out on porches or steps. Use a heavy ashtray on a sturdy surface and put it out, all the way, every time. • Electrical: Always plug appliances such as air conditioners and space heaters into wall sockets that can handle the current, not power strips or extension cords. Don’t overload outlets with multiple devices. • Heating: Turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to sleep. Never leave a space heater unattended. • Candles: Never leave candles burning unattended. Extinguish them before leaving the room. Even better, switch to battery-powered candles. For more fire safety tips for both on and off campus, visit www.mass.gov/dfs. ~ School Bus Drivers Wanted ~ 7D Licensed School Bus Drivers Malden Trans is looking for reliable drivers for the new school year. We provide ongoing training and support for licensing requirements. Applicant preferably lives local (Malden, Everett, Revere). Part-time positions available and based on AM & PM school hours....15-30 hours per week. Good driver history from Registry a MUST! If interested, please call David @ 781-322-9401. CDL SCHOOL BUS DRIVER WANTED Compensation: $28/hour Professional TREE REMOVAL & Cleanups 24-HOUR SERVICE School bus transportation company seeking active CDL drivers who live LOCALLY (Malden, Everett, Chelsea and immediate surrounding communities). - Applicant MUST have BOTH S and P endorsements Good driver history from Registry a MUST! - Part-time hours, BUT GUARANTEED 20-35 HOURS PER WEEK depending on experience. Contact David @ 781-322-9401. SPECIAL OFFER
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