23 August 2005

Fire safety DVD

Photo opportunity: 9.30am, Thursday 25 August, main reception, Tower Building, University of Dundee

The University of Dundee will officially launch a new fire safety DVD on Thursday 25 August. Copies of the DVD, which aims to prevent fires and save lives, will be presented to representatives from Dundee City Council as well as the fire and ambulance services.

The DVD which received huge support from the Council and the emergency services is particularly aimed at first year students and follows five years of research into fire related issues most commonly experienced by students living away from home.

Over 2000 copies of the film will be dispatched to students locally at the University of Dundee in the coming weeks in the hope of reducing the numbers of fires and false alarm calls.

Presented by University rector Lorraine Kelly, the short film highlights the dangers posed from cooking, one of the most common causes of fires, as well as hazards including cigarettes, candles, tea lights and heaters.

Former and current students from the University's School of Television and Imaging produced the short film using footage from controlled fires in two Dundee flats.

The DVD will be distributed to all UK universities and will be available locally to all first year students in residences. It will also be accessible on the University's intranet.

Larry Fortune, the University's fire safety officer explained, "The purpose behind the DVD is to reduce the risk to students from fire by making them aware of the potential hazards associated with fire before they attend University"

Dundee City Council housing convener Councillor George Regan said, "The city council was pleased to be able to help the university with suitable property to feature in the DVD because it is a very worthwhile initiative that could save lives."

For further information please contact Larry Fortune on 01382 345030

By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk