Keeping you safe

In our residences, we have safety equipment and procedures in place to help keep you safe from fire, such as:

• 24-hour fire alarm systems;
• Heat detectors in all kitchens;
• Smoke detectors in all bedrooms and corridors;
• Fire blankets in student kitchens;
• Fire exit doors in each building;
• ‘Action in case of fire’ notices in each residence;
• Safe exit routes throughout each building.

They are all maintained and tested regularly to ensure the safety of all students.

Fire alarms

At the start of term, you will receive a demonstration of the fire alarm sound.

The fire alarms in University accommodation are also tested weekly, and you will be notified when this will take place each week.

If you hear a fire alarm at any other time or if the fire alarm sounds continuously for more than 10 seconds, you must evacuate the building immediately.

Fire evacuation procedure

Read the Action in Case of Fire notice in your flat or on your corridor. Make sure you know the fire exit routes from your room and from the communal areas of your residence.

1. You must evacuate the building promptly if the alarm activates.
2. Shut doors behind you as you leave.
3. Shout 'FIRE’ and knock on any bedroom doors on your escape route out of the building.
4. Go to the fire assembly point and wait for Security Services.
5. If you know this to be a real fire, dial 999 and ask for the fire service.
6. Advise Security Services what you know, for example, if it's a real fire, where the fire is, if anyone is still in building.
7. Do not re-enter the building until told to do so by an official University employee or the fire brigade.

Fire assembly point

The fire assembly point for your accommodation is listed in your Residence Guide.

Disciplinary action

The University will treat any action that endangers residents with the utmost severity. All cases of misconduct that endangers safety will result in action under the Disciplinary Procedures. In some cases, some students may also receive a fixed penalty from the Police and/or face legal action from enforcing authorities.

Examples which may result in disciplinary action include:

• Propping open or disabling fire doors.
• Leaving your cooking unattended.
• Covering or tampering with fire or smoke detectors.
• Failing to report a covered or tampered with fire or smoke detector.
• Malicious and false fire alarms.
• Damage to fire alarm systems.
• Failing to evacuate a building promptly when required to do so or returning to the accommodation before being given permission by a member of staff or the Fire Service.
• Blocking access or fire exits, covering fire safety signs, damage to or misuse of fire-fighting equipment, failure to evacuate a building and use of candles or naked flames.
• Possession of fireworks or the use of candles, tea lights, lanterns, incense or any similar item.
• Bringing flammable materials including foam filled furniture, furnishings or curtains into the residence.
• Placing clothes on or near to space heaters and hair tongs on the carpet or any other flammable surface.

How to stay safe from fire in your University accommodation

• Do not smoke cigarettes or e-cigarettes in residences.
• Do not leave your cooking unattended.
• Do not use equipment that could potentially cause fires e.g. candles, oil burners, deep fat fryers.
• Do not leave electrical equipment plugged in and unattended.
• Do not obstruct corridors and stairs.
• Keep fire doors shut (do not prop them open).
• Keep smoke and heat detectors uncovered.
• Keep escape routes clear.
• Report any faulty fire doors immediately via the method detailed on the request a repair or maintenance page.

How to prevent accidental activation of smoke detectors

• When using the shower, ensure the ventilation fan is switched on.
• Keep the bathroom door closed as steam may activate the fire alarm.
• Turn off the ventilation fan after you shower.
• Keep the kitchen door closed while cooking.