Fire safety: what every student needs to know

Fire safety might not be the most exciting topic on your to-do list, but it is one of the most important.

Whether you live in halls, a shared flat or a studio, everyone has a role to play in keeping our student community safe. Small actions can make a big difference when it comes to preventing fires and ensuring everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Here are some key fire safety reminders.

In your accommodation

• Do not use kettles, toasters, rice cookers or other cooking appliances in your bedroom. If you live in a studio flat or apartment, only use these appliances in your designated kitchen area and keep them away from soft furnishings.
• Never leave cooking unattended. If smoke builds up while cooking, make sure you ventilate the kitchen.
• Do not charge electric scooters or e-bikes anywhere within your accommodation.
• Never leave portable heaters or fans plugged in and unattended.
• Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside accommodation buildings. Please use designated smoking areas.
• Candles are not allowed anywhere in student accommodation.
• Keep bedrooms, kitchens, hallways and stairwells free from rubbish and obstructions.

Protecting fire safety equipment

Smoke detectors, fire alarms and fire doors are there to protect you and others.

• Never cover smoke detectors or tamper with fire safety equipment.
• Do not wedge open fire doors, including bedroom doors, kitchen doors and flat entrance doors.
• Familiarise yourself with the evacuation information provided in your accommodation.

Please remember that tampering with fire safety equipment can result in fines, disciplinary action and may put your accommodation place at risk.

If you hear a fire alarm

• Leave the building immediately and calmly.
• Go directly to your nearest fire assembly point.
• Do not stop to collect belongings.
• Do not return to the building until instructed to do so by staff or the fire service.

If you discover a fire

• Activate the nearest fire alarm call point.
• Once safely outside, call 999 and request the fire service.
• After emergency services have been contacted, notify the Community Safety and Security team on 0121 414 4444.

Watch our fire safety video

To help bring these important messages to life, our Student Content Shapers have created a short fire safety video covering the key things every resident should know. 

Taking a few minutes to familiarise yourself with fire safety guidance can help protect you, your flatmates and the wider student community.

For more information, visit the Fire Safety page on the Student Intranet.