Fire Safety

Following a recent accidental kitchen fire in halls of residence at the University of Warwick which saw dozens of students evacuated, we would like to remind you that fires can start at any time and happen to anyone.

Always remember to ‘Watch what you heat’:

*   don’t get distracted when you’re cooking
*   take pans off the heat, or turn the heat down, if you need to leave the kitchen
*   avoid knocking pans off the hob by ensuring handles don’t stick out
*   take care if you’re wearing loose clothing, which can easily catch fire, and keep tea towels and       cloths a safe distance away from the cooker
*   double-check the cooker is off when you’ve finished
* never cook if you’ve been drinking alcohol or taken medication that makes you drowsy

As Christmas festivities get underway and decorations start to appear in flats and rooms on campus, please note our fire safety advice relating to the use of Christmas trees and décor in our student accommodation:

• Real Christmas trees are prohibited
• Artificial Christmas trees must be fire retardant and meet BS fire regulations
• Bulb-type fairy lights or other forms of electrical lighting, including fibre-optic trees, are not permitted in student bedrooms, kitchens, corridors or staircases.
• Bulb-type fairy lights and decorative lighting on their own are not permitted in student bedrooms, kitchens, corridors or on any staircases
• Mains-powered LED or battery-type decorations are permitted in student bedrooms but must carry the UK CE kite mark plug. However, please note that these decorations must not be used in kitchens, corridors or on staircases
• Do not use trailing cables or multi-plug adaptors and do not lay supply cables under carpets or doors
• Any decorations such as tinsel must be fire retardant
• Decorations should not damage the décor of your room
• Do not place decorations, for example, Christmas cards, near heat sources
• Do not obstruct cooling fans on computers, laptops, or printers with decorations or cards
• No candles or other naked flame sources are to be used under any circumstances
• No bunting or streamers are to be used in kitchens, corridors or on staircases