Student fire safety

Don't be blasé about fire safety; there's more at stake than just your belongings.  Follow these simple steps to keep your home safe:

• Plan.  Ensure you have a means of escape in a fire.
  
• Don't leave cooking unattended.  Take extra care when cooking with hot oil and keep toasters and cookers clean - a build-up of crumbs, grease and fat can easily ignite.
  
• Keep electrical leads and other items away from the toaster and cooker where they can catch fire.
  
• Don't overload sockets, and unplug electrical appliances when you're not using them.
  
• Don't position lights and candles near curtains or other easily ignited materials.   Don't leave candles unattended, and make sure they are properly extinguished before you go out or go to bed.
  
• Cigarettes can kill in more ways than one.  Be particularly careful when you're tired; avoid smoking in bed, and always make sure they're stubbed out properly once you've finished.
  
• Don't prop open fire doors and don't disable or remove door closers - they are there for a purpose and may save your life.
  
• Don't block your means of escape with clutter and junk - you may have to get out in a hurry to save your life.
  
• Make sure you and your housemates can easily find the keys for doors and windows.

It's your landlord's responsibility to make sure your home is safe, by;

• Making sure your home is fitted with appropriate fire safety devices.
  
• Ensuring all gas appliances are safe, well maintained and serviced by a GAS SAFE registered engineer.
  
• Making sure the furniture they provide complies with current fire safety standards.
  
• Ensuring all escape routes have fire doors.

If you're concerned that your property doesn't meet fire safety standards, you should speak to your landlord immediately.  If you have concerns about the safety of the furniture or appliances provided in your rented accommodation, contact Trading Standards on 0161 234 1554.

Further infomation and advice on fire safety, can be found at Directgov.