If you're a student you might be familiar with bikes
in hallways, smoke alarms with no batteries and burnt food, which
can characterise the typical student habitat - but what would
you do if there was a fire?
Would you know what to do? Would your housemates be able to
squeeze past those bikes? What if they were drunk? Maybe you
would be better off taking a few simple steps for peace of
mind. Read on for some simple fire safety tips, plus download
leaflets and posters.
Between October 2008 and August 2009
78% of fires in student halls of residence started in
the kitchen.
Watch what you heat
A recipe for a safe kitchen...
- Take one pan, adding no more that a third of fat or
oil.
- Place the pan on the hob and turn on the heat, making
sure you watch over it at all times.
- Add in the food you wish to cook, but don't get
distracted.
- Make sure you aren't under the influence of alcohol
while cooking as it could end in disaster.
- If your cooking catches fire, get out, stay out and
call 999.
Download the Watch what you heat - Student Safety Leaflet
(PDF 508kb, opens in a new window)
Other links and leaflets that you might find useful...
Cigarettes, candles and incense, must not be
left unattended. Put it out, right out! Candle safety leaflet (PDF 117kb,
opens in a new window)
Cigarette safety leaflet (PDF 435kb,
opens in a new window)
Smoke alarms (PDF 83kb, opens in a new
window) Students in private sector accommodation should test
their smoke alarms weekly.
You can book a free
Home Fire Safety Visit here, one of our team will come round
and offer fire safety advice, they will also fit a free smoke alarm
if needed.
Escape routes (PDF 63kb, opens in a new
window) Learn the quickest way out - this may not be the way
you came in. Keep your escape routes clear.
False alarms cost lives. Malicious activation
of a fire alarm is a criminal offence. False alarms divert fire
service resources away from real emergencies. Be aware that cooking
fumes, including smoke from burnt toast, cigarette smoke, deodorant
sprays and shower steam can all trigger a false
alarm. False alarms leaflet (PDF 106kb, opens in a
new window)
Many of the calls received by Avon Fire & Rescue Service
since October 2008 have been to student accomodation where steam
from a pan, smoke from a dirty grill pan or burnt toast have
triggered the smoke alarm to go off. Always make sure you keep an
eye on your food when cooking and never leave it unattended. As
well as preventing a fire, this will also help to reduce the number
of false alarm calls we receive.
Alcohol and drugs impair your judgement
and typical student digs are full of hazards - safety
awareness should not stop when you get home.
Alcohol and
drugs information (this link takes you to an external
website)