Students given some hot advice!
Hectic student lifestyles coupled with partying, smoking and drinking mean students could be putting themselves at a higher risk of fire.
In light of this, Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service is urging students to check that they have a working smoke alarm, regardless of whether they live in rented accommodation, with friends or family.
Watch Manager at Stratford Fire Station, John Vale said:
“On average, five people aged 17 – 24 are killed or seriously injured by fires each day. Statistics show that you are twice as likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a working smoke alarm.
“By ensuring that your home has a working smoke alarm, it means that you, your house mates and your possessions will stay safe.”
Cigarettes are the most frequent cause of deaths in accidental house fires, accounting for nearly a third of all deaths in homes in 2006. And many fires start in the kitchen because electrical appliances aren’t used properly – 16,900 accidental fires involving the misuse of equipment and electrical appliances were recorded in 2006, the majority were related to cooking.
Top tips for staying safe in student accommodation:
* Fit smoke alarms on each level of the house and test them weekly
* Never leave cooking unattended
* Never try to cook whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs
* Take extra care with cigarettes and smoking materials and never smoke in bed
* Never leave candles or tea lights unattended and ensure that they are put in safe holders
* Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, unless they’re designed to stay on – like a freezer
* Check furniture has the fire-resistant permanent label
Finally, ensure that you and your house mates know what to do should a fire occur. Plan an escape route and if a fire breaks out: get out, stay out and call 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.