Fire Safety

As a remote learner, you spend a significant amount of time at home, often with various devices running as part of your study setup. While online learning offers convenience, it also requires awareness of potential risks, including fire hazards. By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure that your study environment is safe and reduce the risk of a fire. Here's how you can protect yourself and your home from fire, and what to do if one occurs.

• Preventing fire in your study space

  Electrical safety

  • Check your devices: Many remote learners rely on laptops, tablets, and other electronics. Make sure your devices, chargers, and cables are in good condition. Frayed wires or damaged plugs can lead to electrical fires.
  • Avoid overloading sockets: Plugging too many devices into a single socket or extension lead can cause overheating. Use surge protectors and avoid "daisy-chaining" extension leads together.
  • Unplug devices when not in use: If you’re not using your laptop, charger, or other electronics, unplug them to prevent overheating or short circuits.
  • Use quality electrical equipment: Only use devices and chargers from reputable brands that comply with UK safety standards. Cheap knock-offs might be poorly made and pose a fire hazard.

  Space Heaters and Candles

  • Heaters: If you use a portable heater in your study area, keep it well away from anything flammable, such as papers, curtains, or furniture. Always turn it off when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Candles: Avoid lighting candles near your study area. If you do use candles, place them on a stable surface, away from anything that could catch fire, and never leave them unattended.

  Clutter

  • Keep your area tidy: Piles of papers, books, or other materials can fuel a fire if one starts. Make a habit of clearing away any unnecessary clutter in your study space.
  • Store flammable materials safely: Items such as aerosol cans, cleaning products, and certain craft materials can be highly flammable. Store them in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.

• Be prepared for an emergency

  Install and test smoke alarms

  • Smoke alarms: Smoke alarms are your first line of defence in case of fire. Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home. If you live in rented accommodation, your landlord is responsible for ensuring that smoke alarms are installed.
  • Test your alarms regularly: Check your smoke alarms once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year (or as recommended).

  Create an escape plan

  • Plan your exit routes: Know your quickest route out of the house from your study space. If you live with others, make sure everyone is aware of the escape plan.
  • Keep exits clear: Ensure that doors, windows, and hallways are free of obstacles so you can leave quickly in an emergency.
  • Know how to use a fire extinguisher: If you have a fire extinguisher in your home, familiarise yourself with how to use it. However, never attempt to fight a large fire yourself – your priority is to escape safely.

• What to do if a fire starts

  If you notice smoke or fire while studying at home, don’t panic. Follow these steps to ensure your safety:

  1. Alert anyone else in the home: If you live with others, make sure they know about the fire immediately so everyone can evacuate.
  2. Get out, stay out, and call 999: Leave the house straight away and don't go back inside for any reason. Once you’re safely outside, call the emergency services (999) and provide your location.
  3. Close doors behind you: As you exit, try to close doors to help contain the fire and slow its spread.
  4. Don’t use the lift: If you live in a flat, always use the stairs rather than the lift during a fire evacuation.
  5. Crawl low if there’s smoke: Smoke rises, so the air will be clearer near the floor. If there’s heavy smoke, stay low and crawl to an exit.
  6. Stop, drop, and roll: If your clothes catch fire, don’t run. Stop where you are, drop to the ground, and roll until the flames are out.

• Extra tips for specific study setups

  Working in shared accommodation

  • If you’re in shared accommodation, ensure everyone is aware of the fire safety procedures. Know the location of fire alarms, extinguishers, and escape routes.

  Studying with young children or pets

  • Do not leave pets or children near electrical devices, heaters, or candles. If you need to evacuate, plan how you will ensure their safety.

  Setting up your study in different parts of the home

  • Kitchen: If your study space is near the kitchen, take extra care. Kitchen fires are common, especially from unattended cooking or faulty appliances. Never leave cooking unattended.
  • Lofts or attics: Lofts may have limited escape routes, so think carefully about how you’d leave if a fire occurred. Consider adding an additional smoke alarm in this space.

• External organisations

  • Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Fire safety is essential for anyone spending long periods at home, especially when you’re focused on studying and might overlook potential hazards. By following the tips in this guide, you can help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home from the risk of fire.