Dorm Electrical Safety Tips

With millions of students already at or heading to college over the next month, Southern California Edison urges students to do their homework to stay safe from electrical shock injuries and fires.

September, which is move-in month for most schools, doubles as Campus Fire Safety Month - a time that encourages students to understand the fire hazards on and off campus.

"There are more than 200 college campuses within SCE's service area and electrical safety in dorms and on campuses is often overlooked," said Ted Gribble, SCE principal manager of Enterprise Risk Management and Public Safety. "Students need to be aware of the risks associated with improper use of electrical devices and cords."

From 2018-2022, U.S. fire departments responded to about 3,331 structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities and off-campus housing. The leading causes of these fires include cooking - which accounted for nearly 80% of fires - smoking, candles and electrical issues. These fires resulted in three deaths, 21 injuries and $21 million in direct property damage.

Students can prevent potentially fatal fires by avoiding common electrical mistakes in their dorm rooms.

Common electrical mistakes:

• Never leave cooking food unattended: Unattended cookware is the leading cause of dorm fires. Many colleges ban cooking appliances from on-campus housing due to fire risk. Be sure to check before using.
• Overloaded outlets and extension cords: Plugging too many devices into a single outlet or using extension cords for permanent setups can cause overheating. Never force a three-prong cord into a two-slot outlet.
• Frayed or damaged cords: Using electronics with worn or frayed cords can lead to electrical shocks or fires.
• Never tack or nail an electrical cord: Do not pin cords to any surface or run them across traffic paths, including under rugs or furniture.

• Improper use of power strips: Power strips should not be daisy-chained - plugging one power strip into another. This can overload the circuit. Use a surge protector to keep electronic devices safe.
• Appliances: Never use an extension cord with a major appliance since it can overheat and start a fire. Unplug small appliances when you are not using them.
• Do not use water to put out an electrical fire: A fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires (ABC) or baking soda should be used to smother the flames. Always call 911 in case of an emergency.

• Blocking air vents: Placing items on top of or too close to heaters and air vents can cause fires.
• Watch out for overheated outlets. If an electrical outlet becomes so hot you cannot leave your hand on it, there is potential for a fire. Unplug everything from the outlet and notify the landlord or dorm officials immediately.

Things to watch out for:

• Arcs and sparks: Flashes of light or showers of sparks anywhere in your electrical system.
• Sizzles and buzzes: Unusual sounds from your electrical system.
• Electrical shocks: Any shock may be a warning of an electrical hazard.

By being aware of these hazards and taking steps to solve them, students can help ensure a safer living environment in their dorms or off-campus housing.

For more safety information, visit sce.com/safety.