Date: 22nd October, 2020
With new students settling into their new homes and new routines, and returning students getting back in the swing of all things university, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS), as part of the national Fire Kills Campaign, is encouraging all students to have a think about their fire safety.
Education Coordinator Tess Cross said: “With all the excitement and opportunity that university life brings, fire safety might not be at the top of your list of priorities. However, in amongst all your studying and socialising, taking a few moments to think about your accommodation, how you use it, and what you might do to reduce any fire risks might save your life.”
She added: “Just this morning, we were called to a student accommodation block in Bournemouth where students had to be evacuated after a fire started when cooking was left unattended. It just shows how easily a fire can start, especially in the kitchen.”
In Bournemouth, DWFRS is working closely with the universities and accommodation providers to help educate students so they can take responsibility for their fire safety.
By following these Fire Kills campaign top tips, you can help make sure that your student experience is a fire-safe one:
- Don’t leave cooking unattended and take extra care when frying with oil.
- Don’t cook if you’ve been drinking alcohol, especially late at night.
- If you smoke, make sure you put your cigarette out, right out.
- Keep candles away from flammable surfaces or material that might burn – such as curtains, TVs, baths – and never leave lit candles unattended.
- Don’t overload plug sockets and switch off electrical equipment such as chargers, hair straighteners and blow dryers when not in use.
- Make sure you know your escape routes and have a plan B in case your route is blocked.
- In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 999.
Tess Cross added: “Each and every university or college has a person responsible for fire safety. If you spot a fire risk or have any concerns, then you should speak to them, or your accommodation provider.”
Further fire safety advice is available at www.dwfire.org.uk/safety