Through the annual "Campus Fire Safety for Students" campaign in September, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS) are working together to help ensure living spaces are safe.

Every September, Campus Fire Safety Month raises awareness about the threat of fires in both on- and off-campus housing. Those promoting this initiative put information in the hands of students, their parents, and campus housing staff and administrators, who are encouraged to take proactive measures to protect themselves, their family, and peers from fires and make living spaces safer for students.

NFPA and CCFS offered tips to help students reduce the risk of fires and save lives. First, everyone should know and practice their building's evacuation plan, as well as alternative routes out of the building. Second, students should cook in intended areas only and never leave cooking equipment unattended when in use, even briefly.

Third, smoke alarms should be tested monthly in an apartment or a house. Smoke alarms should be installed in all sleeping areas, outside all sleeping areas, and on every level of the apartment or house. Smoke alarms should never be removed or disabled.

Fourth, combustible items should be kept away from heat sources, and electrical outlets, extension cords, or power strips should never be overloaded. Many fires are caused by portable light and heat sources, like space heaters and halogen lamps.

Fifth, common areas and hallways should be kept free of possessions and debris. Exit routes should never be blocked.

Many of the resources, including videos, checklists, infographics, and tip sheets, are designed to be shared through social media, school newspapers and college websites, and to be posted in dormitory common areas. For more information about the "Campus Fire Safety for Students" campaign and to find free resources, visit http://www.nfpa.org/campus or visit http://www.myccfs.org and click on Share under Activities and Campus Fire Safety for Students.