[29 October 2007]

FIREKILLS STUDENT CAMPAIGN

The department for Communities and Local Government has sponsored a new campaign that aims to raise awareness of fire safety among students. The FireKills campaign has recruited 23 students to act as fire safety ambassadors to mark the start of the academic year.

These ambassadors will work closely with National Fire and Rescue services to organise chip pan demonstrations that aims to illustrate how quickly a fire in the home can develop and become out of control. The campaign also hopes to spread the fire safety message among students through local university magazines and press.

The campaign includes some simple fire safety advice including making sure that smoke alarms are fitted and tested regularly.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service offers the following safety guidance to students living locally:

• Do not leave cooking unattended.
• Take extra care with cigarettes and smoking materials.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, unless they're designed to stay on.
• Check furniture has the permanent fire-resistant label.
• Practice an escape route with your housemates.
• If a fire starts get out, stay out and dial 999.

For further information please visit www.firekills.gov.uk