Young people living in student accommodation in Derry are being urged to be aware of the dangers of fire.
Magee College in Derry which is to be visited by local firefighters.
Firefighers from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) will be visiting university and college campuses over the coming weeks to provide fire safety advice, leaflets and information to help keep students fire safe in their shared or rented accommodation.
Students are being encouraged to avail of NIFRS free Home Fire Safety Checks enabling local firefighters to check their accommodation to help make it fire safe.
They are also being reminded of the importance of having a working smoking alarm fitted and basic lifesaving fire safety advice.
Alan Hamill, group commander, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, said as a fire and rescue service it was important they “engage directly” with young people, many of whom will be staying away from home for the first time.
He said: “There is no doubt that this can be an exciting time for young people living away from home for the first time however taking heed of our fire safety advice could be one of the most important lessons for students during their time at university or college.
“As a fire and rescue service it’s important that we engage directly with young people at this time in their lives – not only will this keep them fire safe as students, it will install good fire safety habits and patterns for the rest of their lives.
Cmdr Hamill urged all students to take some time to think fire safety and to take personal responsibility for themselves and their housemates from the dangers of fire.
He said students should ensure all smoke alarms provided were in working order and tested once a week.
He added: “This will alert you and your housemates to the earliest stage of a fire giving you vital extra time to escape. Follow a good fire safe bedtime routine and take some time to agree a fire escape plan to ensure everyone is clear what to do in the event of an emergency.”
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