Fires can start easily and spread very quickly. Please take time to read how you can reduce the risk of fire in your home; and what you should do – if a fire starts.
How to minimise the risk of fire
You can minimise the risk of fire by following these steps:
- Under no circumstances should you disconnect, alter or remove smoke detectors or their electrical supply
- Do not leave cigarettes burning and make sure they are put out properly
- Never smoke in bed
- Keep matches out of the reach of children
- Never leave a chip pan unattended, ideally replace it with a deep fat fryer
- Fit a fireguard on all open fires
- Do not overload sockets with adaptors and plugs. Unplug electrical appliances when they are not in use and remove before going to bed.
- Do not hang clothes around fires, cookers, storage heaters or heating boilers
- Close all doors at night
- Test your smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors at least once every week
- Keep fire escapes and windows easy accessible
What should you do if a fire starts?
If a fire starts in your home, you should do the following:
Get out
If it is safe to do so, close the door of the room where the fire has started, and get yourself and everyone in your home outside. If safe to do so, turn off gas mains.
Get the Fire Brigade out
Alert your neighbours. Dial 999 and ask for ‘Fire Brigade’ and give your name and address clearly.
Stay out
Do not go back into your home for any reason. Wait until the Fire Brigade tell you it is safe to do so.