STUDENTS in Bournemouth are 'sleep walking into a potential disaster' as they doze off with food on the hob or in the oven, a charity has warned.

New research by Electrical Safety First reveals that one in seven university students surveyed at Bournemouth University admit to falling asleep with food cooking.

Latest figures show that more than 900 accidental electrical fires took place in student halls of residence in England alone between 2012 and 2017, the equivalent of five fires every week during a typical term.

Further research by the charity reveals that 65 per cent of students surveyed at Bournemouth University admitted to cooking while drunk or after drinking. Electrical Safety First is urging students not to ‘drink and fry’ to avoid the possibility of putting themselves and their fellow students at risk.

Emma Drackford, director of communications for Electrical Safety First, said: “We know how excited students starting the new academic year will be to celebrate. Yet those set to live independently for the first time are urged to take care in the kitchen when handling electrical appliances. "With so many students admitting to taking to the stove under the influence of alcohol and a significant number falling asleep with food cooking, we are warning students not to drink and fry. Those living in halls of residence are no doubt set to have a great time on their journey through university, however, with numerous people living collectively under one roof careless mistakes put every person in the building at risk. If in doubt, order in.”

How to stay safe in your student accommodation according to Electrical Safety First:

• Don’t cook when drunk – although it may seem like a great idea to cook a fry up after a night of possible heavy drinking, don’t. The risk of falling asleep or forgetting about food on the hob is much higher when your senses are dulled by alcohol.

• Ensure foil is removed from packaging before you place an item into the microwave.

• Do not leave tea towels or clothing near the hob when in use. In doing so you risk starting a fire that could spread rapidly.

• The top of a microwave might seem like a convenient place to throw things when you come back from a long day at university, but when in use this area will conduct heat. This surface should be kept clear at all times.

• Never remove the batteries from your smoke detector. This life-saving device will likely be the first warning you get, should you need to evacuate the building during a fire.

• Their life, your hands – remember that you’ll be living with many other people in your building, meaning reckless behaviour that could potentially start a fire not only puts you in danger but everyone else around you.