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Fire safety in student accommodation

Your essential guide to fire safety in student accommodation

No matter whether it’s your first or fourth year in student accommodation, getting clued up on fire safety is crucial. 

Each property will have its own fire safety procedure, including evacuation routes and meeting locations. You can find more information when you log in to your Student Roost account, or speak to the property team for assurance.

Learning how to prevent fires in the first place is key not only to your wellbeing, but also that of those living with and around you – especially if you’re sharing a kitchen.

Did you know... 23 of the 31 confirmed fires in Student Roost properties, during the 22-23 academic year, were cooking-related incidents?

Read on for some top tips to stay safe, both in and out of the kitchen, in your student accommodation.

Know your exits

When you move in, learn where your nearest fire exit is and understand exit routes. Don’t ignore fire drills, one because it may not be a drill but also because it gives you the opportunity to plan a safe escape. If you’re unsure about anything in your Student Roost property, head down to reception and the team will be able to provide you with this information, along with locations of fire alarms, extinguishers and additional evacuation details.

Thank you for not smoking

The inside of our Student Roost properties are a no-smoke zone. We ask that all residents use designated outdoor smoking areas and shelters to smoke or vape. Smoke alarms will be fitted throughout the property in case of fire, please do not cover these as they are essential in alerting teams to fires in rooms, flats or elsewhere in the building.

Keep your kitchen safe

Not only were the majority of confirmed fires cooking-related, but 60% of the 2,765 false fire alarms at Student Roost accommodation in 22-23 were also kitchen-based. Whether you have your own kitchenette in a studio or you’re sharing one as a flat, it’s wise to understand the dangers of potential kitchen fires – from equipment that reaches high temperatures to handling hot substances.

Here are some top tips to prevent fires when cooking:

  • Never leave the cooker or hob unattended while cooking. Need to leave the kitchen? Turn everything off and come back to it when you’re ready.
  • Oil is a fire hazard, so be careful not to overfill a pan with it.
  • If you’re really tired or just come back from the pub, buy a takeaway or eat leftovers from the fridge. It’s never a good idea to cook when you can’t give it your 100% focus.
  • Keep the hob area clear. When cooking, ensure tea towels and cloths are kept a safe distance away, and don’t be tempted to store items on cooker hobs when not in use.
  • Check those sleeves! Keep yourself safe by avoiding loose fitting clothing; if you’re frying up a feast, either opt for a tee or roll up long sleeves.

Check your electrical items

Got a laptop adaptor wire that’s seen better days? Electrical items pose a danger, not just electric shocks but from a fire safety perspective too. Check your chargers and wires to make sure nothing’s frayed or exposed, and buy replacements if so – it’s better to be safe than sorry. Plus, remember not to overload sockets; for example, never plug an extension cord into another extension cord.

Turn things off

It not only helps the planet to power down gadgets and equipment when you’re not using them, it helps to prevent fires too! Turn off electrical appliances when they’re not in use, and double check everything is off when you've finished cooking. All good? Enjoy a sound night’s sleep knowing nothing is going to overheat or spark.

Keep on top of cleaning

Having a clean environment isn’t just great for focusing on your studies or your general wellbeing, it’s also a good way to avoid mishaps. Clutter can cause fires, especially paper and other combustible materials that can act as fuel, so keep things tidy. Remember especially to keep escape routes and doors clear, and don’t prop open fire doors – if it’s a hot day in your student accommodation, get a fan to circulate the air instead. In the kitchen, simple actions like regularly cleaning grill trays and emptying out crumbs from the toaster can also be effective in preventing fires in your student accommodation.

Plan your response

Despite best efforts, fires can happen. But being prepared is key to ensuring they don’t get out of control and are put out safely. For example, knowing what not to do: if your pan catches fire, then never use water to attempt to put it out – especially when cooking with fat or hot oil, as this will just make the fire worse. Back to our first point: know your exits, the location of fire alarms, etc. It will all help if a fire does happen.

We hope the tips covered above go some way to preparing you when it comes to fire safety in your student accommodation. Check out our Wellbeing hub for future updates on fire safety, and all things wellbeing.

 

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