As thousands of students start or return to university and college, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is calling on them to prioritise fire safety during Student Fire Safety Week.

Students moving into halls or shared houses are being urged to build simple, everyday habits around safe charging, safe cooking and making responsible choices when drinking.

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Area Commander Suzanne Fleming said: "Starting university is an exciting time, and for many students it is their first experience living away from home. While settling into a new routine, it is important that fire safety becomes part of everyday life. We want students to be more aware of the fire risks in their new living environments, and provide advice on how to adopt safer behaviours to stay safe from fire.

"Students rely on phones, laptops, tablets and other devices every day, but charging them incorrectly can significantly increase the risk of fire. Always use approved chargers, charge on a hard, flat surface and never charge devices on beds, sofas or under pillows where heat cannot escape. If a battery or charger becomes unusually hot, swollen or damaged, stop using it immediately."

"Cooking remains one of the leading causes of fires in student accommodation. Never leave cooking unattended and keep flammable items away from the hob. Always switch off appliances when they aren't in use and avoid cooking after consuming alcohol. Alcohol can impair judgement and slow reaction times, increasing the risk of accidental fires.

"Looking out for your flatmates and making a few simple fire-safe choices can help keep everyone safe throughout the academic year.

"As soon as you arrive at your accommodation, check you have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, and know your escape routes. This can help make a huge difference if there's a fire in your property.

"If a fire starts, close the door on the fire, and alert everyone in the property if safe to do so. Get out, stay out and call 999."

NIFRS' key advice for students includes:

• Cooking safety - Keep the cooker and grill pan clean and free from oil or grease build-up.

- Avoid cooking after drinking alcohol, especially late at night; alcohol can make you drowsy and forgetful.

- Never put water on an oil or grill pan fire as it can create a fireball.

- Consider a fire blanket in the kitchen and follow the instructions supplied with it.

• Safe charging and electrics

- Use approved chargers and charge devices on hard, flat surfaces.

- Never charge items on beds or soft furnishings.

- Don't overload plug sockets; use trailing leads rather than block-type connectors.

- Switch off and unplug electrics when not in use and before bed.

- Switch off hair straighteners after use and allow them to cool on a heatproof surface.

- Keep portable heaters away from sofas, beds and clothing, and never leave them unattended.

• Cigarettes and candles

- Take extra care when smoking indoors; it's safer to smoke outside.

- Empty ashtrays regularly and make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished before placing them in an outside bin.

- Never smoke in bed.

- Keep candles and tealights away from flammable materials such as curtains, televisions and bath tubs.

- Never leave lit candles unattended and always use a proper holder.

• If you're drinking alcohol

- Avoid cooking, don't light candles, and don't use electric heaters.

- Smoke outside.

• Smoke alarms

- Make sure you have working smoke alarms and test them weekly.

- Consider additional smoke alarms in bedrooms if you charge multiple devices, use candles, or have portable heaters.

• Plan your escape

- Carry out a night-time check: extinguish candles and cigarettes, switch off electrical items and close internal doors to slow fire and smoke spread.

- Plan your escape route, ensure everyone knows the quickest way out and consider an alternative route.

- Keep keys where you can find them quickly.

- Keep escape routes clear of clutter so you can get out fast if the alarm sounds.

More student fire safety advice is available at: www.nifrs.org/home/staying-safe/community-safety/home-fire-safety/student-safety/