Fire Safety in Your Student Accommodation

Fire safety advice could be one of the most important lessons for students during their time at university or college. A small mistake can lead to devastating consequences, so it’s essential to be aware of potential hazards and take proactive measures to prevent fires. While we endeavour to make your property safe, it is important that as a tenant you also play your part in keeping yourself and your housemate safe from fires!

Following our guidelines could make a huge difference in your student accommodation.

1. While we carry out the annual fire alarm testing along with intermittent testing during your tenancy, it is the tenant’s responsibility to carry out a weekly visual check of the alarm system. For those properties with a fire panel (six beds and above), this involves checking there are no red or amber lights on the panel and reporting to ourselves if there are. If your property does not have a fire panel, please check the detectors are not flashing red or a not beeping.
2. Under no circumstances should any detector be covered.
3. Doors within the property should not be wedged open, as they are either fire doors or have fire safety devices fitted to them.
4. Know your escape route – Make sure you know the quickest way out of your property in the event of a fire and consider an alternative route in case your usual route is blocked. Keep your escape routes clear of clutter. Ensure all fire exit routes are clear. Where front doors are located within a bedroom, please make sure the door is NOT blocked with furniture or personal belongings.
5. Don’t overload plug sockets and remember to switch off electrical equipment such as hair straighteners, blow dryers and mobile phone chargers when not in use. Charge devices whilst you are awake, not when you are sleeping.
6. Always charge your phone or laptop on a hard surface like a table or worktop – never on a soft surface like a bed or carpet as it can easily overheat and catch fire. Turn off electrical chargers, devices or appliances before bed or when leaving the house.
7. Avoid burning candles or incense inside the house as they are a risk of fire. To make your room cosy use battery-powered candles and reed defuses as a safer alternative. If you must use candles, make sure they’re in a heat-proof holder and keep them well away from anything that could catch fire (such as curtains, bookshelves).
8. All of our properties are smoke free. Please ensure tenants go outside to smoke. This also includes vaping and e-cigs.
9. When you have finished cooking, make sure your oven, hob or air fryer is turned off. Don’t forget to clean your
10. Do not cook when tired or if you have had alcohol. Instead prepare a cold snack or treat yourself to a takeaway.
11. If you are using a portable heater to keep warm, keep it away from flammable materials like papers, curtains and furniture and never use one to dry your clothes. Turn off any electrical appliances that you are not using, particularly at night, when a fire can quickly spread unnoticed and cause more danger and damage.
12. E-bikes are brought into properties are at your own risk. If you do please ensure they are not charged on carpet or in a fire exit route.
13. Don’t bring your own large appliances (fridge, tumble dryer etc.) into the property. All our large white good are bought new and are installed safely.
14. Please ensure fire escape routes are clear at all times.

What to Do in a Fire Emergency in Student Accommodation

Experiencing a fire emergency in your student accommodation can be a terrifying situation. However, knowing how to react calmly and quickly can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety and that of others around you. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do in a fire emergency:

• Stay Calm and Alert Others: Shout “Fire!” or knock on doors to inform roommates and neighbours. Ensure everyone knows about the emergency. If the building has a shared alarm break point, activate it.
• Leave the Building Immediately: Don’t try to extinguish the fire; prioritize evacuation. Leave belongings behind and use the nearest exit. Avoid elevators.
• Crawl Low in Smoke: If there’s smoke, crawl on your hands and knees as the air is clearer closer to the floor.
• Feel Doors for Heat: Before opening doors, check for heat using the back of your hand. If hot, find an alternative route or signal for help from your window.
• Follow Fire Escape Routes: Use designated escape routes for a safe evacuation.
• Assemble at the Meeting Point: Go to the designated meeting point away from the building until the all-clear is given by the fire department.
• Call Emergency Services: Dial emergency services to report the fire and provide accurate information.
• Do Not Re-Enter the Building: Never re-enter until the fire department declares it safe; fire can reignite.
• Inform Accommodation Management: Notify management after the fire is controlled for further guidance.
• Learn from the Experience: Review the incident and discuss fire safety with others. Preparedness saves lives. Stay safe!

Fire safety in your Sheffield student accommodation is a collective responsibility. By being vigilant and following these essential fire safety tips, you can create a safer living environment for yourself and your fellow students. Remember, fire prevention starts with awareness and proactive measures. Prioritize fire safety, and you can focus on enjoying your time in Sheffield with peace of mind. Stay safe!