To mark the beginning of the university term, Hollyoaks actor Kent Riley has teamed up with Communities and Local Government's Fire Kills Campaign to encourage thousands of students to keep safe from fire in rented accommodation.
Partying, smoking and drinking are all part and parcel of the student lifestyle, but it could be putting students at higher risk of fire. Over the past five years cigarettes, smoking materials and candles have been the cause of 1,500 injuries among 18 - 24 year olds. Fifty-five per cent of accidental fire deaths amongst this age group occur through the carelessness in the kitchen when cooking and the handling of hot substances and misuse of electrical equipment.
Kent, who plays student Zak Ramsey in the Channel 4 drama, said: "It's so easy nowadays for students to overwork themselves, if they're not studying then most have part-time jobs. As a result they don't have much time on their hands and a lot of students don't realise that they're putting themselves in danger by not following some basic fire safety procedures. Students in England might not be aware that they can request a home fire safety visit from their local fire and rescue service who can provide and fit a smoke alarm for free... and we all know students love anything that's free! I'd urge students to take advantage of this opportunity and stay safe from fire."
Parents are also being urged to help their children by remembering to pack them off to university with a smoke alarm, torch and batteries along with all of the other usual items such as tin opener, washing powder and first aid kit.
Fire Minister Parmjit Dhanda said: "Equipping students with a smoke alarm, torch and batteries, is something that all parents can do to help their peace of mind and ensure that their child stays safe when their children leave home for student life. It is a sad fact that you are more than twice as likely to die in a fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm and rented properties are less likely to be fitted with smoke alarms. Preparing teenagers for university life can be a busy time for all families, but I would urge parents to remind their child about the importance of fire safety."
Ama Uzowuru, the National Union for Students' (NUS) National Vice President Elect for Welfare, commented: "At this time of the year, we would remind all new and returning students that fire safety in their university accommodation should be a priority and if accommodation is not up to adequate safety standards, it is vital students address this by complaining to their landlord."
