What you need to know

Living in halls means shared corridors, shared kitchens and lots of people under one roof, so fire safety only works when everyone does their bit. These quick rules help keep you and your neighbours safe, and make sure you can get out fast if something goes wrong.

The non negotiables

• Keep fire doors shut at all times, including kitchen and shower room doors
• Do not tamper with smoke detectors or safety equipment
• Never cover, remove or interfere with them
• No candles or incense
• No smoking inside
  This includes e-cigarettes and vaping, and it’s not permitted within 5 metres of any accommodation building
• Only use appliances provided by the University
• Do not use electrical fires, gas fires, paraffin heaters or extra cooking appliances
• Keep emergency exits clear at all times
• Unplug hair straighteners and curlers after use
  Put them on a heat-resistant mat while they cool

Why fire doors matter so much

Fire doors are designed to slow the spread of smoke, heat and toxic gases. A closed door can buy crucial time to evacuate.

Bedroom, studio and corridor doors

• Close your door when you leave and when you sleep
• Never wedge your door open
• Do not interfere with the self-closing device

If fire reaches a corridor, the risk rises quickly. Corridor fire doors help protect the stairs and your escape route.

In shared kitchens and studios

• Fire blankets are provided and should be used for pan fires or to smother clothing that has caught fire
• Keep cooking areas tidy and never leave cooking unattended

If an alarm sounds

• Evacuate immediately
• Close all doors behind you
• Go to your assembly point 

Under any circumstances...

• Do NOT use lifts.
• Do NOT stop to gather belongings.
• Do NOT re-enter the building until you are given the all clear

Smoke detector beeping or “piping”

If a detector starts to bleep or make a piping sound, report it straight away to FutureLets or Estates so it can be checked and fixed quickly.

False alarms and damage

Coventry University takes fire safety very seriously. Criminal damage, including deliberately activating a false alarm, will be dealt with under the Licence to Occupy, and those responsible may face formal action.