A lady is installing the smoke alarm detector

Back-to-College Shopping List – 4 Overlooked Necessities

When it’s time for college students to prepare to go back to campus, don’t forget to bring these important safety items.

Security Smart Home

8/02/24

While stocking up on school supplies, laundry essentials and cleaning necessities to head back to campus with, remember to keep safety in mind, too. Here are four often overlooked items college students should pick up before they head to their campus dorms or off-campus housing.

Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Over a recent five-year period, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 3,840 structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities and other related properties, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Help avoid a potentially dangerous situation by making sure residences and rooms are properly equipped with smoke alarms, like the First Alert Precision Detection Smoke & CO Alarm, which provides early warning in the event of a home fire emergency. This 2-in-1 smoke and CO alarm features a 10-year sealed battery to eliminate the need for battery replacements and low-battery chirps for a decade.

Fire extinguishing devices. Fire extinguishing devices should be easily accessible in key areas of the home or apartment, like the kitchen, and it’s also crucial to know how to use them quickly, should a fire start. An easy-to-use solution in the event a small fire breaks out, the First Alert EZ Fire Spray features a lightweight spray-can design that has no pins or levers – just point and spray. Its small size makes it ideal for kitchens and easier to use than a traditional fire extinguisher.

Water Leak and Freeze Detector. Water leaks or frozen burst pipes can cause extensive damage to a rental property and the valuables inside, leading to costly repairs and the expensive hassle of replacing personal belongings. A water leak and freeze detector, like the First Alert L1 WiFi Water and Freeze Detector, can alert students to leaks as soon as they occur, allowing them to take immediate action, notify their landlord and minimize the risk of water-related damage. WiFi enabled and easy to install, this device is a simple way for college students to help keep their place safe from water and freeze related emergencies.

Escape ladder. College students living in two- or three-story buildings should consider being prepared with an escape ladder to make a quick exit in the event of a fire emergency. Exceptionally strong and durable, the First Alert Escape Ladder can be conveniently folded for storage near a window or under a bed for immediate access. It’s easy to set up and strong enough to help both children and adults quickly exit to safety.