Fire service's back-to-basics safety tips for new students

A one-stop shop for student safety

Fire service shares top tips as thousands of students start to settle down into new accommodation and lifestyles.

As students across Lincolnshire prepare to move into shared houses, halls of residence and rented accommodation, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is sharing some simple safety steps to help everyone settle into new homes without any added drama.

Know your responsibilities

Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure rented properties meet fire safety requirements. This includes providing working smoke alarms, carrying out regular gas safety checks and ensuring escape routes are clear and accessible.

Students also have an important role to play.

Before unpacking, you should:

Check smoke alarms are present and working.
Familiarise yourself with the escape routes and fire assembly points.
Know where fire doors are and don’t wedge them open.
Report faulty alarms, damaged electrical sockets or fire safety concerns to your landlord immediately.

Common fire risks

Many fire alarms are caused by everyday activities that can easily be prevented.

The big things to think about:

Never leave cooking unattended.
Don’t cook under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Keep exits, hallways and staircases clear of clutter and rubbish.
Test your smoke alarms regularly.
Don’t overloading your sockets or extension leads and unplug devices when fully charged or not in use.
Keep candles, incense burners and naked flames away from anything flammable, and make sure they’re fully extinguished before leaving them.

Stay safe on nights out

A night out is a classic part of student life, but it can come with dangers.

Our tips to keep your night out fun:

Plan how you’ll get home before heading out.
Walk home with friends whenever possible.
Keep well clear of any open water sources.
Let someone know where you are, share your location with someone you trust.
Keep your phone charged.
If you’re uncomfortable in a bar, pub or club, Ask for Angela
Use licensed taxis or trusted transport options.

Respect the water

Lincolnshire’s has a lot of coastlines, rivers, lakes and waterways in and around our cities and towns.

Cold water shock, hidden currents and unfamiliar environments can quickly turn these waters dangerous, especially after a drink.

A lot of people who enter the water never mean to, with slips, trips and falls very common. So, make sure you’re mindful when near water.

You should look to:

Only swim in properly designated swimming areas.
Stay away from water edges when walking home at night. Change your route or walk home with a mate where possible.
Call 999 if there’s an emergency.
Never enter the water to attempt a rescue. Instead, phone for help, get them to float on their back and throw something that floats if it is safe to do so. Remember Phone, Float, Throw.

Amanda Matson, head of community fire prevention at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “University or college can be an amazing time for students, and we want to share the advice to help keep it fun and safe.

“A lot of that advice is applicable for everyone, checking your smoke alarms, closing fire doors, paying attention when cooking, and not cooking under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“But we also encourage everyone heading to university of college this year to look out for one another. Be a mate. Make sure your friends get home after a night out, let them crash on the sofa if they can’t get back to their place safely, turn off the hob if your housemate has left it on and walked away. It’s these little things that can make the world of difference and prevent emergencies.”