Students will have the chance to learn how to escape a 'real' bedroom fire as the University of East Anglia introduces its first fire safety ambassador.

Under the CLG Fire Kills campaign, a network of student 'fire safety' ambassadors have been appointed to raise fire safety awareness amongst the student population at a number of universities throughout England.

In partnership with local fire and rescue services the students act as 'on the ground' representatives using their local contacts, including student newspapers, radio and welfare officers on campus to raise awareness of vital fire safety messages.

The UEA's Student Ambassador, Davina Willson, will work with Norfolk County Council fire officers to promote key fire safety messages at the Norwich-based university. This will include promoting smoke alarm ownership (including promoting home fire risk checks), careful disposal of cigarettes, careful cooking and careful use of candles and more.

Davina said: "As students we are perhaps not too receptive to people giving out safety messages and maybe feel they don't really apply to us. From what I have seen already I know that by just being aware of a few simply fire safety tips and using a bit of common sense you can help keep yourself safe. I am looking forward to my new role and working with the fire and rescue service......."

Andy Lyle, Area Manager for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Students from the UEA live across the city in all kinds of accommodation and we are always looking at the best ways to make sure they stay safe. While we have worked closely with the UEA for a number of years this is the first time we have recruited a student to help promote our vital fire safety messages. We are delighted to have Davina on board and look forward to working with her."

Richard Rockcliffe, Cabinet Member for Fire and Community Protection, said: "Keeping people safe is the number one priority for our fire and rescue service and this sounds like an excellent way of spreading the word on fire safety. I would like to wish Davina the best of luck and thank her for taking on this important role."

To help launch the Student Ambassador role at the UEA a Student Fire Safety Day is being held on campus on Tuesday (November 20) between 11am and 3pm. A Fire Experience Unit will be running throughout the day for students to experience a simulated bedroom fire and there will also be chip pan fire demonstrations. Students will also be given fire safety leaflets, with fire safety banners displayed outside the Student Union.

The UEA is one of twenty universities to have appointed student fire safety ambassadors.

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