Students are being reminded to put safety on the syllabus when they start or return to university or college for the new academic year.
Robin Turnbull, Area Manager, Protection, Prevention and Engagement said: “This is an exciting time for many young people. Some may be moving away from home for the first time and living in halls of residence and others will be sharing rented accommodation with friends. It is very easy to forget about fire safety with so much happening, but it is vital you all follow simple steps to stay safe.
“If you are in university rooms then make sure you know the rules, pay attention to fire drills and never ignore alarms. If you live in a private house or flat, make sure it’s fitted with smoke alarms on the ceiling of each level of the property and that they are tested regularly.
“Check your escape route is clear. For example, make sure there are no bikes blocking your exit in the hallway. Remember the kitchen is the most dangerous room so avoid cooking when tired or if you have been drinking. Have a takeaway or cold snack instead.
“Distractions when cooking can cause fires. Never leave cooking unattended and try and keep the oven, hob and grill clean.
“We hope you have a fantastic time at college or university. Fire safety may not seem important but it really is a matter of life and death.
Other safety tips:
- When you finish a cigarette, put it out completely – and make sure all cigarette ends are cold before emptying ashtrays into bins
- Switch off electrical equipment such as chargers, hair straighteners etc., as soon as you have finished with them
- Charge devices whilst you are awake, not when you are sleeping
- Avoid overloading plug sockets by using inline adapters
- Ensure fire doors are closed at all times and not left propped open
- Be aware of where fire alarms, door and window keys are located and fire equipment is kept
- Plan and practice an escape route with your housemates. Have a back up plan in the event your first escape route is blocked
Landlords can make sure students are safe in their properties with our online Home Fire Safety Check tool. The Safelincs tool is available via the Cleveland Fire Brigade website here https://www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/?ref=CFB
