TDCI and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office marked September as Campus Fire Safety Month with guidance aimed at students. This year’s focus is safe cooking and lithium-ion battery safety — two hazards that show up in dorms and off-campus rentals across East Tennessee college towns.
The September 8, 2026 release cites national campus fire statistics: from January 2000 to August 2026, 94 fatal fires occurred on a college campus, in Greek housing, or in off-campus housing within three miles of campus, claiming 134 victims.
On charging, TDCI says to “only use the charging equipment provided with your device, stop charging once full, and never charge overnight or with damaged chargers/batteries.” It also says to keep batteries away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and flammable items, and never block an exit with charging or stored devices.
On purchasing, TDCI advises looking for a safety certification mark on any product that uses a lithium-ion battery — the mark means it meets important safety standards.
On housing rules, TDCI notes some dormitories restrict charging micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters. Review your college’s policy before you roll an e-bike into the hallway.
Seasons change. So should your coverage. For a free personal policy review, call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/.
By All Seasons Insurance Group — informational only; no coverage or eligibility promise.
| TDCI campus tip | Detail cited |
|---|---|
| Fatal campus-area fires (2000–Aug 2026) | 94 fires / 134 victims (national campus statistics in the release) |
| 2026 spotlight | Safe cooking and lithium-ion battery safety |
| Charging | Only provided equipment; stop when full; no overnight/damaged gear |
| Micromobility | Check dorm rules for e-bikes and e-scooters |
What campus-fire statistics does TDCI cite through August 2026?
TDCI cites national campus fire statistics showing that from January 2000 to August 2026, 94 fatal fires occurred on campus, in Greek housing, or in off-campus housing within three miles of campus, claiming 134 victims.
What two hazards does the 2026 Campus Fire Safety Month campaign spotlight?
TDCI says this year’s initiative shines the spotlight on safe cooking practices and lithium-ion battery safety.
How does TDCI say students should charge lithium-ion devices?
TDCI advises using only the charging equipment provided with the device, stopping once full, and never charging overnight or with damaged chargers or batteries.
What should students look for when buying lithium-ion products?
TDCI says to look for a safety certification mark, which means the product meets important safety standards.
Do dorm rules matter for e-bikes and e-scooters?
Yes. TDCI notes some dormitories have rules about charging micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters and tells students to review campus policies first.
How does this relate to renters or dorm insurance?
Fire and theft losses still depend on the policy a student or parent buys. TDCI’s tips are safety guidance; they are not a coverage grant.
Is this article a guarantee that following the tips prevents every fire?
No. It restates TDCI and State Fire Marshal consumer tips for Campus Fire Safety Month.
How can All Seasons help student households?
Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/ for a free personal policy review of renters or homeowners coverage.
