As thousands of students prepare to begin or return to university or college, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is encouraging everyone to make fire safety a top priority this Student Fire Safety Week.
And whilst SERC does not have student living accommodation, the safety tips remind EVERYONE to adopt simple fire-safe habits by focusing on safe charging, safe cooking and making responsible decisions around alcohol.
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Area Commander Suzanne Fleming said: “Starting university or college is an exciting time, and for many students it is their first experience living away from home. While settling into a new routine, it is important that fire safety becomes part of everyday life. We want students to be more aware of the fire risks in their new living environments, and provide advice on how to adopt safer behaviours to stay safe from fire.
“Students rely on phones, laptops, tablets and other devices every day, but charging them incorrectly can significantly increase the risk of fire. Always use approved chargers, charge on a hard, flat surface and never charge devices on beds, sofas or under pillows where heat cannot escape. If a battery or charger becomes unusually hot, swollen or damaged, stop using it immediately.
“Cooking remains one of the leading causes of fires in student accommodation. Never leave cooking unattended and keep flammable items away from the hob. Always switch off appliances when they aren’t in use and avoid cooking after consuming alcohol. Alcohol can impair judgement and slow reaction times, increasing the risk of accidental fires.
“Looking out for your flatmates and making a few simple fire-safe choices can help keep everyone safe throughout the academic year.
“As soon as you arrive at your accommodation, check you have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, and know your escape routes. This can help make a huge difference if there’s a fire in your property. “If a fire starts, close the door on the fire, and alert everyone in the property if safe to do so. Get out, stay out and call 999.”
NIFRS Student Fire Safety Advice
• Never leave cooking unattended
Cooking is the leading cause of accidental dwelling fires in the home, so don’t
leave cooking unattended.
Keep the cooker and grill pan clean and free from the build-up of any oils or
grease.
Avoid cooking if you have been drinking alcohol, especially late at night;
alcohol can make you drowsy and forgetful.
Never put water on an oil fire or grill pan fire as it will turn into a fireball.
Think about having a fire blanket in your kitchen for emergencies and follow
the instructions supplied with it.
• Practise safe charging
The second most common cause of fire in the home is connected to electrical
items. All electrical items can overheat so don’t leave phones, tablets, vapes or
laptops on charge longer than necessary.
Use approved chargers and charge on hard surfaces.
Never charge items on your bed as cushions and bedding are flammable.
Don’t overload plug sockets.
Use trailing leads rather than block type connectors.
Switch off and unplug electrics when not in use and before bed.
Switch off hair straighteners after use and cool on a heatproof surface.
Don’t put portable heaters close to sofas, beds, clothing etc, and never leave
them unattended.
• Extinguish cigarettes and candles
Remember to extinguish cigarettes and candles before going to bed at night.
Take extra care when smoking inside, it is safer to smoke outside.
Empty ashtrays regularly and ensure cigarettes are completely extinguished
before putting into the outside bin.
Never smoke in bed.
Keep candles/tealights away from flammable surfaces or textiles, e.g. curtains,
televisions, bath tubs.
Never leave lit candles unattended and use a proper holder.
• Remember think when you drink
The likelihood of a fire accidentally starting is greater if alcohol is involved as it
can make you sleepy, clumsy and forgetful. It also affects your ability to hear a
smoke alarm and react safely in an emergency.
If you are planning to have a drink with friends avoid the common causes of
accidental dwelling fires by:
Avoiding cooking
Avoid lighting candles
Avoiding the use of electric heaters
Smoking outside
• Working Smoke Alarms
Make sure you have working smoke alarms.
Smoke alarms should be tested weekly.
Consider additional smoke alarms if you have ignition sources in your
bedroom, for example:
If you are charging a lot of electricals
Using candles
Have portable heaters
• Have escape routes
Many fires happen at night when occupants are asleep. Always carry out a
night-time check – extinguish candles and cigarettes, switch off electrical items
and close all doors before going to bed. This will reduce the risk of fire and
smoke spread and protect your escape routes.
Plan your escape route.
Make sure everyone knows the quickest way out in the event of a fire and
consider an alternative route.
Know where your keys are if they are needed to open doors to get out.
Keep escape routes clear of clutter, remember if a smoke alarm goes off you
want to be able to get out quickly and don’t want to be tripping on coats, bags
and bikes on the way out.
