In a bid to keep University students residing in rented accommodation safe from fires, a network of students have been selected by the Department for Communities and Local Government, in order to raise awareness of fire safety, amongst fellow students.
The student ambassadors were selected from various Universities in England with the criteria being the population of second and third year students who tended to live in rented accommodation.
The "Fire Kills" Campaign will highlight the risk of fires by means of the following:
- The distribution of leaflets and posters.
- Coverage within magazines.
- Coverage within websites.
- Working with fire and rescue services organising a demonstration of just how quickly chip pan fires develop, become uncontrollable and how lives are put at risk.
Sir Graham Meldrum, HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services, said:
"It is so important for students to remember to fit and test a smoke alarm regularly as you are twice as likely to die in a fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm.
"We are using this innovative approach to reach students as they are more likely to take notice of their university peers. The ambassadors will also have excellent knowledge of their local student media."
There are very simple tips on keeping safe from fire both in student or any other accommodation, such as the following:
- Fit smoke alarms on each level of the house and test them weekly.
- Don't leave cooking unattended.
- Take extra care with cigarettes and smoking materials.
- Never leave candles unattended.
- Check furniture has the permanent fire-resistant label.
- Practice an escape route with your housemates.
- If a fire starts get out, stay out and dial 999.
As well as all of the above, an excellent tip from one of our HSfB moderators, Stoker is as follows:
"When changing our clocks and watches twice a year, we should also change our smoke detector batteries as part of the routine. This way, our batteries will always be on the alert for our safety."
Further information on the Fire Kills Campaign can be accessed from the Government Website by clicking the following:
Fire kills you can prevent it.
As there are now a number of students with young children living at home, one of HSfB's recommended sites, Do2Learn, have a fun-filled fire safety page for young children worth checking out and can be accessed by clicking the following:
Do2Learn: Educational Resources for Special Needs
Article by Alexandra Johnston
