Student Fire Safety Week is here, shining a spotlight on the importance of fire awareness in student accommodation. With thousands of students living away from home (many for the very first time), this week serves as a crucial reminder that fire safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Student accommodations are busy, high-risk environments where small mistakes can have big consequences. From unattended cooking to vaping indoors, the everyday habits of just one resident can trigger a building-wide evacuation. That’s why Student Fire Safety Week is the perfect opportunity to refresh safe practices and encourage better habits that protect not only individuals, but whole communities.
Common Fire Safety Risks in Student Accommodation
While every building has its own challenges, the most frequent fire safety risks in student housing often come down to everyday behaviours:
Candles, incense and oil burners – These may feel homely, but open flames pose a real danger in small, shared spaces.
Wedging fire doors open – Fire doors are there to contain smoke and flames; leaving them open puts everyone at risk.
Cooking mishaps – From unattended pans to overheated oil, kitchen fires are one of the leading causes of alarms in student accommodations.
Electrical hazards – Overloaded sockets, cheap adapters and faulty chargers are all common sources of fire.
Aerosols and steam – Everyday use of deodorants or hot showers near detectors can trigger alarms.
Vaping indoors – Vapour may seem harmless, but it can activate detectors and disrupt the entire building.
Fire Safety Tips and Tricks for Students
Adopting safe habits doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical steps:
Know your evacuation plan – Understand where to go and how to get there in case of an emergency.
Check alarms regularly – Report any faults immediately to your accommodation team.
Keep escape routes clear – Don’t block hallways or exits with bikes, boxes, or bags.
Use appliances safely – Don’t overload plugs and only use approved equipment.
Unplug hot tools – Hair straighteners and dryers stay hot long after use; always switch them off.
Be mindful when cooking – Stay in the kitchen, and keep surfaces clear of anything flammable.
Respect safety rules – They’re in place to protect everyone in the building.
Why Fire Safety Awareness Matters
False alarms aren’t just inconvenient - they can cause students to become complacent during real emergencies. And with hundreds of people sharing the same space, one person’s mistake can disrupt everyone’s lives. By focusing on prevention, students can enjoy a safer and more comfortable living environment.
Drax Technology: Supporting Safer Student Living
At Drax Technology, we’re committed to helping student accommodation providers reduce false alarms and improve fire safety management. From advanced monitoring to real-time fault reporting, our solutions support both compliance and peace of mind.
Student Fire Safety Week is a timely reminder: by adopting safe daily habits and using the right fire safety technology, we can make university living secure for everyone.
Download our one-page Fire Safety Guide for Students here
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