Dorms across campus are being overloaded with digital technologies.

The average college student needs an essential amount of technological "bling" to feel connected to the world, and of course, look good at the same time. There is a dangerous side to looking good and feeling connected that seems to be unknown to students.

A laptop and a cell phone are the two key ingredients to being linked on this campus.

Sacred Heart University gives each student a laptop. Students live in a technological world, and the SHU community wants to make sure they know how to use it. This enables communication amongst peers, friends, and family members. Not only does it allow communication, it guarantees complete access the World Wide Web.

"I'm not big into technology, so a computer is a computer to me. I do like the new IBM computers, though, because it has a lot more to offer than the Dell's from last year," said Matt Ricci, junior, Jamestown, R.I.

In addition to laptops and cell phones, the newest in digital technology is the iPod, but to go a step further, there is the newest addition to the iPod, the sleek and miniature, iPod Nano.

It is so small that it is easily concealed in the palm of your hand The iPod Nano works like its other family members by replacing CD's and allowing the user to add countless hours of music into a single handheld device.

"I never had an iPod before, so I decided to get the newest model," said Jacyln Hines, senior, Port Jefferson, N.Y. "It's just so tiny and it's amazing to think about how over a hundred CD's worth of songs fit inside of it."

With the addition of video games to feed your brain and keep your mind out of the books, and the ever-ready digital camera that can capture the most random memories to be cherished forever, there comes a danger.

How can these tiny and useful objects be so dangerous? Simple, It's all in your wiring.

"The only extension cords allowed are UL listed surge protected, with built in circuit breakers," said Jack Fernandez, director of Public Safety. "Extension cords must never be overloaded or placed across the room doorway, under rugs or anywhere that can be stepped on."

Just like candles, these high-tech digital gadgets can be very hazardous in terms of fires, they should be treated with great care. Currently, Public Safety is taking the matter very seriously.

Public Safety is keeping an eye out for the Sacred Heart community by advising dorms, apartments, and townhouses with too many extension cords to unplug them when not in use. With so many gadgets that require power and energy, it is foolish to keep them plugged in all the time.

Overloaded extension cords are one of the leading causes of dorm room fires.

According to The Center for Campus Fire Safety, 75 people have died in student housing within the United States since January of 2000.

The Center for Campus Fire Safety is a non-profit organization that raises awareness of the dangers of campus fires, under the direction of Ed Comeau. They are working diligently towards making September the national campus fire safety month.

Looking good is very important to a college student, but that doesn't mean students need to compromise safety for any trend. You can look good with your digital gadgets and be smart about fire safety, too.

"If a resident is unsure if their extension cord is in compliance, they may contact the Public Safety department and we will have an officer inspect it," said Fernandez.

With Public Safety on call 24 hours a day and The Center for Campus Fire Safety on the internet, put your digital "bling" to good use.

Call Public Safety at (203) 371-7995 or check out safety guidelines from The Center for Campus Fire Safety over at campusfire.org with your laptop. Look good and be safe, Sacred Heart!