Fire safety in your accommodation

A few simple steps to help keep you and your flatmates safe

Your accommodation is your home while you're at university, and everyone has a part to play in keeping it safe. Whether you're cooking dinner, heading out for the day or just relaxing in your room, there are a few important fire safety rules you need to be aware of.

Keeping your accommodation safe

Fire safety starts with simple everyday habits. Ensure you know where your nearest fire exit is, familiarise yourself with your escape route and never block corridors or fire exits with belongings.

Fire doors protect you, so keep them closed and never prop them open. It's also important that you never cover or tamper with smoke detectors, fire alarms or other safety equipment.

Smoke detectors are sensitive to steam and cooking fumes, so keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed when cooking or showering and use windows to help ventilate these spaces.

Stay safe when cooking

We know cooking is a big part of living independently, but it's important to stay alert in the kitchen.

Never leave food cooking unattended, particularly when using the hob, grill or microwave. Remember to switch appliances off when you've finished and keep cooking surfaces clean to prevent a build-up of grease.

Taking a few extra minutes to clean up and check that everything is switched off can make a big difference.

What should you do if the fire alarm sounds?

If the fire alarm goes off, you must evacuate the building immediately, even if you think it's a false alarm.

Make sure you know your nearest escape route and where your designated fire assembly point is. You'll find information about assembly points displayed around your accommodation.

Once outside, don't re-enter the building until a Security Officer has confirmed it's safe to do so.

There will be occasional fire drills which you are required to take part in, these are crucial to ensure you know what to do in an emergency. 

Know the rules, keep everyone safe

Fire safety rules are in place to protect everyone living in your accommodation. Failing to follow them, including interfering with fire safety equipment, blocking escape routes or ignoring evacuation procedures, could result in disciplinary action under the University's ResLife Code of Conduct.