Information: Fire safety in the home

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Fire safety in the home

There is always a risk of fire in every home so please read this part carefully; it could save your life. Always use a little bit of common sense to reduce the risk of fire in your house. Please use the following checklist that we have put together.

We recommend you do a full household fire safety & prevention check every 6 months.

1. Check and clean the smoke alarm.
2. Check and clean the carbon monoxide alarm.
3. Check flexes and cables for any exposed wires. If you find any problems, contact a qualified electrician.
4. Check the fuse box for any black residue, which indicates over heating. Never mess around with the fuse box. Always get a qualified electrician out if you experience problems.
5. Check the date on the household fire extinguisher and fire blanket.
6. Make sure power sockets have not been overloaded.
7. Make sure all flammable liquids are keep in a fire proof box or tin in the shed, not in the house.

Smoke and carbon monoxide Alarms

Remember that every year fires in homes account for over 550 deaths and thousands of injures. Many could be prevented; smoke detectors detect the earliest stages of a fire. By giving you this early warning it makes it far easier to get out in time. So make sure you have at least two-fitted, one down stairs and one upstairs. Also by having the early warning it gives you more time to call the fire brigade. That little bit of extra time could also save your house. Don’t just fit the alarm and forget about it, regularly check the battery is still working, and replace it every year.

1. When you go out to by your smoke alarms you make sure they have the British Standard BS 5446 part 1 and carry the well-known Kitemark.

2. For maximum protection an alarm should be fitted in every room of your house except the kitchen, Bathroom and garage.

3. Your smoke alarms should be screwed to the ceiling and should be fitted at least 30 centimetres (12 inches) away from any wall or light fitting and as close to the centre of the room as possible. Always read the manufacturers instructions before fitting.

4. Alarm safety checks, to continue offering protection to your home you will need to be done. Once a month check the alarm by pressing the test button. Once a year replace the battery, vacuum and wipe the smoke alarm casing to ensure dust isn't blocking the sensor chamber. If the alarm is mains powered, switch it off first.

Chip Pans

Chip pans can be very dangerous we recommend that you buy a proper deep fat fryer. If you do use a chip pan go and buy a fire blanket. NEVER leave chip pan unattended. When you cook any thing make sure you dry it first in a tea towel before you put it into the oil, if you have a basket put the food in the basket and slowly lower the basket into the oil.

• Firstly NEVER fill the chip pan more than one-third full of fat or oil. As it could spill over when you add the food to it, and catch fire.
  
• Never put the food in the pan if the oil begins to give off smoke. It has become to hot. When you add food to over heated oil, it can make the pan spill over, and catch fire. Always turn the pan off and let the oil cool.
  
• Always make sure you have turned the pan off properly when you have finished.
  
• Never leave the pan unattended when the heat is switched on. As the pan can ignite very easily.
  
  

Should the pan ever set on fire:

1. Stay calm and don’t panic.
   
2. Try to turn off the heat if it is safe to do so.


3. Run a cloth under a tap and wring it out.


4. Cover the pan with the damp cloth and leave it to cool completely – for a minimum of thirty minutes.


5. Whatever you do, NEVER throw water over a chip pan fire, as it will create a fireball. Don't move the pan, until it has cooled fully.


6. If you feel you cannot handle it get out, shut the door and call 999.

Fire Escape Plan

Always have a fire escape plan and make sure that the whole family knows about it and practices the escape route once every 3 months. If you live in a house were the upstairs windows are high off the floor, buy a fire escape rope ladder that you can fit to most windows to enable you to escape safely.

Doors

Always close the doors at night. If there is a fire it will help to slow it down, and give you more time to get out safely.

Cigarettes

Never leave cigarettes, pipes and cigars unattended and always make sure you put them out fully. So long as it is still smoking it can cause a fire. Never smoke in bed. If you have been smoking in the living room don’t leave the ash try on the arm of the sofa, as it can be knocked off onto the sofa and cause a fire. Do not smoke when feeling tied or if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If there is ever a fire in your house always touch the door before you open it, if the door is warm their could be a fire on the other side so try to get out another way.

Finally, ALWAYS ensure that you have a quick an simple route to get out of your house in event of a Fire – too Many locks & bolts can result in you becoming trapped!

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