Fire Safety

Fire safety standards are not universal. The United States follows much stricter fire safety standards than many other countries and students may think that these standards will be the same. 

This is often not the case, not just in developing countries but also in common study abroad locations like France. The Jasmine Jahanshahi Fire Safety Foundation was created after four students, including Jasmine, died in a fire in Paris. She was in an apartment complex that did not have smoke detectors. The foundation provides great tips on how to prepare for and prevent fires on their website.

Fire Safety Tips:

• Avoid staying above the height that fire trucks can reach you. This height varies from country to country, so research the specifics of you country.
• Check for smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your room/apartment. These can be bought cheaply if not installed. Make sure the smoke detector works.
• See if there are multiple escape routes out of your residence and consider purchasing a portable escape ladder.
• Know the local 911 equivalent for your host country.
• Learn more research on fire safety and what to do in case of fire on the National Fire Protection Association Website.