East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is proud to support Student Fire Safety Week from 23 to 29 September 2024.
We want to support students across East Sussex and Brighton & Hove with vital safety knowledge, focusing on Fire Safety and Water Safety.
As students return to university or begin their academic journey, it is crucial to be aware of the dangers that can arise both at home and while socialising. The goal of Student Fire Safety Week is to reduce accidents and save lives by educating and raising awareness about these key safety concerns.
Community Engagement
As part of the campaign, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service will be engaging with students on 26 September at the University of Sussex in Brighton. This interactive event will cover both fire and water safety, offering students a chance to ask questions and learn more about staying safe. We will be encouraging students to participate in an ice bucket challenge where they will have an opportunity to learn about cold water shock and what to do in an emergency in, on and around water. We will explain how to Float to Live and how they can keep themselves and others safe, incorporating Call Tell Throw.
The Community Engagement Team has also been working with the Brighton & Hove Coastal Safety Forum, recently promoting the RLSS Don’t Drink and Drown campaign during Freshers' Week.
Fire Safety advice
Whether students live in halls, rented accommodation, or at home, fire safety should always be a top priority. The risks are real, but there are simple steps to stay safe:
- Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Ensure your accommodation has working smoke alarms on every level of the house and test them weekly.
- Cooking Safety: Stay alert when cooking, avoid distractions, and never cook when under the influence of alcohol.
- Cigarettes and Smoking Materials: Take extra care when smoking. Never smoke in bed, and always extinguish cigarettes completely. Dispose of vapes responsibly and not in household waste.
- Candle Safety: Avoid using candles or tea lights, opt for battery operated instead.
- Electrical Safety: Switch off electrical appliances when not in use unless they are designed to stay on (like a freezer). Avoid overloading sockets and keep electrical items away from flammable materials like curtains.
- Plan an Escape Route: Know your escape route and practice it with housemates. In the event of a fire, remember: Get out, Stay out, and Call 999.
Water Safety – Don’t Drink and Drown
Brighton & Hove’s vibrant nightlife and coastal location mean students must be extra vigilant when near water, especially after consuming alcohol. 46% of accidental drownings in the 18-25 age group involve alcohol and/or drugs (National Water Safety Forum, Water Incident Database 2018-2023).
Students are urged to:
- Stay with and look out for friends, make sure they get home safely.
- If you’ve had a drink, stay away from the water, find an alternative route home.
- Stay away from the water in winter, cold water shock kills.
- If you see someone in trouble, remember Call, Tell, Throw (Call 999, Tell them to float on their back, Throw something to help them float).
- If you find yourself in trouble then follow RNLI Float to Live advice.
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is committed to ensuring students have a safe and enjoyable time during their studies. Through education and awareness, we aim to reduce risks and help keep our student communities safe.
For more information, including upcoming events and tips on how to stay safe, visit the East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service website or follow us on social media for updates.
Other Useful links:
Home Fire Safety - At home | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (esfrs.org)
Water Safety - Water Safety & Drowning Prevention | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (esfrs.org)
