Students need to think about fire safety in their new accommodation

Monday, 25 September 2023 01:00

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, as part of the Fire Kills Campaign (25th September - 1st October), is encouraging all students to have a think about their fire safety.

Education Manager 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.”

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, bath tubs – 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.”

More from Local News

Flock of lambs stolen from field in Berwick St John

Wiltshire Police are investigating the theft of 40 lambs from fields in Berwick St John and are appealing for public information.
Wiltshire Gambling Harms Awareness Week set to Launch

Wiltshire Gambling Harms Awareness Week will launch this October with a series of activities focused on increasing the understanding of support available and helping people recognise when gambling may be impacting an individual or family.
Crowds light up the night to raise £25k for Salisbury Hospice

On Saturday 19th September, the streets of Salisbury shone with sparkles and celebration as hundreds of walkers gathered at Five Rivers Leisure Centre for Salisbury Hospice Charity’s annual Midnight Walk – raising over £25,000 to support local people and their families.
Salisbury Cathedral is named the most ‘Instagrammable’ filming location in The Gentlemen

A new study reveals that Salisbury Cathedral is the most Instagrammable filming location in The Gentlemen.
Share your Salisbury Story for City’s 800th Anniversary Book

Salisbury City Council is inviting people with a connection to Salisbury to share their stories for a special book, The People’s Story, to mark Salisbury’s 800th anniversary.
Gallery: Sneak Peak At Rehearsals for Up Down Big Man

Photos from the rehearsal room reveal a first look at Up Down Big Man, a Myrtle Theatre Company and Wiltshire Creative production in association with The Wardrobe Ensemble, with in kind support from Bristol Old Vic.
PCC urges public to report signs of organised crime in their communities

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson is urging residents across Wiltshire and Swindon to report information that could help tackle organised crime and protect vulnerable people from exploitation.
New campaign asks people who smoke in Wiltshire: “What Will You Miss?”

Regional campaign launches with 100 days to go until the UK's first smoke-free generation reaches adulthood.