Fire is the main hazard in residential accommodation. Most people underestimate the speed at which a fire or smoke spreads in a building.
Fires and smoke can cause death or severe injury and damage to property. Following the right precautions will reduce the likelihood of fires starting and will protect against its consequences:
- Read important notices.
- Make yourself familiar with the emergency escape routes from your flat and other areas that you visit.
- Do not tamper with, obstruct or remove any notice or equipment provided for fire safety – it is a criminal offence to do so.
- Keep fire doors closed.
- Do not obstruct fire routes or doors.
- Exercise care – carelessness could cause a full-scale alarm.
- The burning of any substance and/or use of a naked flame represents a fire hazard and is not permitted.
- Non-essential electrical appliances should be switched off at the mains and unplugged after use.
- Do not leave any cooking appliance, toaster, kettle, iron and so on unattended while switched on.
You can find explanations of all of these in the Student Resident Handbook which you can download from lower down this web page.
Fire alarm testing and drills
It is a legal requirement that the fire alarm is tested frequently. The fire alarm will usually be tested every Tuesday morning at 10.30am: this will consist of three rings. You don’t have to evacuate the building when the alarm is tested.
We are also obliged to test each detector on an annual basis. You will be notified in advance that engineers will be visiting your bedroom/flat to conduct this test.
Fire drills will be conducted regularly. These are vital for the safety of the occupants of the building and it is imperative that drills are adhered to.
Breaches of regulations
Tests and drills are essential in order to safeguard the wellbeing of residents. The consequences of breaching fire safety regulations can include a fine of up to £10,000 from the London Fire Authority. We would have no hesitation in passing costs incurred on to residents if their actions placed Touareg in breach of these rules.
Further information
You can find more information about fire safety in the Student Resident Handbook, which you can download from lower down this web page, and on these pages:
