Recently a student from Georgetown University was killed in a fire in his off-campus housing. Investigations following his death found safety problems. It seems that if the house had been better maintained, the young man's life could have been saved.
Some of the problems include an nonworking smoke detector, defective fire extinguishers, and locked and barred exits. Also the cause of the fire may have been prevented had more attention been paid to the condition of the housing in which he lived. The fire started with faulty wiring near the furnace, which could have been detected and reparied. Wiring can be replaced, but the human life lost resulting from the neglect cannot.
While one would hope landlords would be wary of housing safety, it's painfully apparent that students who choose to live off campus must ensure that basic safety measures are taken.
This is especially important for students who do not have much money and are left with the older, more rundown houses. Also, students often rush to claim housing, trying to settle in quickly before school begins.
But their lack of funding, time and experience can catch up to them if they face an uncaring landlord or do not have support or resources to help them make decisions. It would be nice if universities could provide such information to students. However, since universities are not responsible for the safety of accommodations off campus, the students must research.
No amount of hurry or lack of funds should ever deter students from asking for results of housing inspections from anyone they are renting from. Also, housing inspectors can be hired to look over a place before the lease is signed, and the local fire departments also can provide them for free.
Also, students should provide their own smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. And also check that exits are unblocked and that housemates know where to meet in case of an emergency.
