Campus Dorms and Apartment Fire Safety
Fire Safety in colleges and universities across the United States is a growing concern. From January 2000 to May 2015, there were 85 fatal fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities, and off-campus housing, resulting in 118 fatalities — an average of approximately seven per school year. The Elon Fire Department wants to ensure that your college experience does not end in tragedy.
| Location of Fatal Campus Fires | Causes of Fatal Campus Fires |
| 2000-2015 | 2000-2015 |
 |
 |
| Working Smoke Alarms in Fatal Campus Fires | Alcohol as a Factor in Campus Fires |
| 2000-2015 | 2000-2015 |
 |
 |
Additional statistics
- Fire sprinklers were not present in any of the 85 fatal campus fires.
- 70 percent of fatal campus fires occurred on the weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).
- 67 percent of the victims were males.
- 73 percent of the fatal fires occurred between midnight and 6 a.m.
- April was the peak month (13 percent) for fatal fires in campus housing.
In the event of the activation of the building’s fire alarm system, remain calm and evacuate the building. If you discover the fire, shout “fire” to alert those in your living space. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIGHT THE FIRE! Pull the fire alarm closest to the fire and dial 911. If your building is not equipped with fire alarm pull stations, at a minimum, shout “fire” as you exit. Exit the building to the identified safe space outside the building and a safe distance away from the fire. DO NOT REENTER THE BUILDING! Wait for instructions from Fire Personnel as to when you may reenter the building.
Please visit the U.S. Fire administration link to learn more about Campus Fire Safety.