STUDENTS living in rental properties and their landlords are being asked to make sure they have the right smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

With the new academic year in its first weeks, many university students will have moved into their first home away from their parents very recently and may be unaware of the types of alarms they need to keep them and their housemates safe.

As part of the Blue Watch Scheme run by the Chief Fire Officers Association and supported by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, firefighters are visiting rental properties to carry out safety checks and, in some cases, fit free alarms.

Member of Hereford and Worcestershire Fire and Rescue Authority Cllr Richard Udall has thrown his support behind the campaign, saying: “This initiative will fund approximately one hundred carbon monoxide detectors, and fire safety advice to both students and their landlords locally.”

Group commander Adrian Elliott from the fire service’s community risk department said staff had carried out 4,000 home fire safety checks in the year 2012-13.

Anyone unsure about the type of alarm they need in their home can call 0800 032 1155 for advice.