Fire Safety Advice for Households
Matches and Lighters
The misuse of matches or lighters can start a fire, protect yourself by following this simple advice
- Extinguish all matches properly.
- Keep all matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children.
- Refill your lighter away from naked flames and in a well ventilated area.
- In the event of a power cut, don't use matches or lighters as an alternative light or heat source.
Candles
Whether you're using your candles to scent and decorate your home this winter, remember these popular home accessories can be dangerous. Reduce your risk of causing a fire by following our simple recommendations;
- Never leave a candle unattended and keep well out of reach of children and pets.
- Extinguish it before you go asleep.
- Always place candles on a heat resistant surface. Tealights can melt plastic surfaces, such as the top of the TV and the side of a bath tub.
- Keep candles out of draughts, away from blowing curtains and free from all furnishings.
- Consider an extra smoke alarm in the rooms where you burn candles.
- Never use outdoor candles, indoors.
- Leaning over a candle could set your hair or clothes on fire.
Gas/Open Fires/Electric Heaters
- Don’t place heaters near curtains or furnishing, and never use them for drying clothes.
- Do not sit too close to fires or heaters, your clothing or chair could catch fire.
- Always use a fire guard with open fires, especially if you have young children, elderly or disabled people in the property. Preferably the fire guard should be in a fixed position.
- Portable gas heaters should be checked for leaks, and refilled outside in the open air.
- Always place heaters in a position where they cannot be easily knocked over.
- Choose electric heaters that have automatic safety switches that turn off the unit if it is tipped over accidentally .
- Check the power lead before plugging in the electric heater; if frayed, worn or broken, do not use, replace the heater.
- Never use an extension lead with a portable heater.
Electric Blankets
As the cold weather looms we use electric blankets to keep us warm. By following our simply guidelines outlined below you will reduce the risk of fire.
When buying your electric blanket you should;
- Buy it from a reliable source.
- Check that it has a UK safety standard mark – this symbol means the blanket has been independently tested and meets the latest UK and European safety standards.
Before you use your blanket make sure that it (or its cord) does not show any of the following danger signs:
- Fraying fabric
- Scorch marks
- Exposed elements
- Creasing or folding
- Soiling
- Damp patches
- Tie tapes damaged or missing
- Worn flex
- Loose connections
- An old BEAB safety mark - a round symbol (the new sign is white capital letters on a black background). This means it is more than 10 years old.
If you are in any doubt about your blanket, contact the manufacturer before you use it to make sure that it is safe. It may need to be replaced.
Smoke alarms
A smoke alarm is a warning device that detects smoke at the earliest stages of a fire. When it detects a fire, it will make a piercing noise to alert or wake you.
Did you know that you are more than twice as likely to die in a fire if you haven't got a smoke alarm?
Smoke alarms can cost as little as £5 and are available from DIY stores, electrical shops and many supermarkets and high-street retailers.
If you already have a smoke alarm in your home make sure your alarm is in good working order.
Cooking
Being careless in the kitchen can cost lives. On average 17 people a day are killed or injured in a kitchen fire. Keep yourself and your family safe by following our simple advice;
- Keep electrical leads, tea towels and cloths away from your cooker.
- Keep your oven, hob and grill clean. A build up of fat and grease can easily catch fire.
- Don’t put anything metallic such a cutlery or tin cans inside the microwave.
- Never put a sponge or dishcloth in the microwave to sterilise it – it could catch fire.
- Take care if you are wearing loose clothing – these can easily catch fire.
