Students given some hot advice
Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service will be igniting a campaign to raise awareness of fire safety this autumn and urging Warwickshire students to keep safe from fire in rented accommodation.
Hectic student lifestyles coupled with partying, smoking and drinking mean students could be putting themselves at a higher risk of fire. Over the past five years cigarettes, smoking materials and candles have been the cause of 1,900 student injuries, with many students putting themselves at unnecessary risk by not having a working smoke alarm.
Students are putting themselves in further danger when they come home from a night out drinking and prepare a midnight feast – 55% of student deaths in fires occur through the misuse of cooking appliances and careless handling of hot substances. Students are being reminded that it is not safe to use cooking appliances when under the influence of alcohol.
Area Risk Manager, Simon Ellershaw said: “Students need to be aware of fire safety issues in their home. Fires can cause huge devastation so the effort of fitting and checking a smoke alarm regularly means you, your housemates and your possessions will be safe.”
Simple tips on keeping fire safe in student, or any, accommodation are:
* Fit smoke alarms on each level of the house and test them weekly.
* Don’t leave cooking unattended
* Do not attempt to cook whilst under the influence of alcohol
* Don’t overload plug sockets
* Switch off electrical appliances like mobile chargers and hair straighteners when not in use.
* Take extra care with cigarettes and smoking materials.
* Never leave candles unattended.
* Know your rights: landlords are responsible for supplying safe gas appliances and electrical wiring
* Check furniture has the permanent fire-resistant label.
* Practice an escape route with your housemates.
* If a fire starts get out, stay out and dial 999.
For further fire safety advice log onto http://www.firekills.gov.uk If you are concerned about fire safety in your accommodation then log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue for information on how to get a Free home fire safety check.