Fire safety advice for students
Living away from home for the first time can be exciting and may be even a little daunting. It’s the first time you take complete control of your life.
Fire safety might not seem like a major priority but your student life style puts you at a higher risk of fire. You’re more likely to be preoccupied with timetables, assignment deadlines and socialising with your friend than worrying about whether you’re fire safe.
Complete your own Home Fire Risk Check and take a look at our top tips on how to keep fire safe.
Cooking
don’t leave cooking unattended- take extra care when frying with oil as this is an extremely common cause of fire. If one does occur NEVER put water on it as it will turn into a fireball
- don't cook if you have been drinking alcohol your concentration levels are lower - the risk of accidents is greater in the kitchen if you have been drinking
Smoking
- don't leave lit cigarettes unattended - they can easily overbalance as they burn down, land on a carpet or newspaper and start a fire. When you put it out, make sure it really is out
- don’t smoke in bed and make sure you’ve extinguished your cigarette properly before you go to sleep
- take extra care when you're tired, taking prescription drugs or have been drinking alcohol. It's very easy to fall asleep without realising that your cigarette is still burning
Candles
- they should be placed firmly in a proper holder so they don't fall over – the candle should be standing straight up
- make sure they are on a heat-resistant surface – be especially careful with night lights and tea lights, which get hot enough to melt plastic such as the top of a TV and the side of a bath tub
- keep out of draughts and away from curtains, other fabrics or furniture, which could catch fire
- never leave them unattended
- always remember to extinguish them properly before going to sleep
Electrics
- don’t overload plug sockets
- remember to switch off electrical equipment, such as hair straighteners, hair dryers and mobile phone chargers, when not in use
- only use one adaptor per socket – don’t plug one adaptor into another and try to keep to one plug per socket
- don't overload extension leads and adaptors, they have a limit on how many amps they can take
Portable heaters
- secure portable heaters up against a wall, so they don’t fall over
- keep them way from curtains and furnishings
- never dry or air clothes on them
Smoke alarms
- fit a smoke alarm on each level of the property
- always put smoke alarms where you will be able to hear them throughout the house, particularly when you're asleep or when doors are closed
- test your smoke alarm weekly
- remember a smoke alarm is your only warning and could save you precious time in your escape
Plan your escape route
- know your escape route, your usual way in and out of your home is the best escape route
- always choose a second escape route in case your first choice is blocked
- keep all exits clear of obstructions
For information about your landlord’s responsibilities visit www.direct.gov.uk.
