Even if you’re not planning any summer specific activities, there are still ways to ensure you and your family are safe from fire – the most important of which is to ensure you have AT LEAST ONE working smoke alarm on each level of your home.
Consider installing additional alarms in rooms with electrical devices or sleeping areas. Remember to keep internal doors closed during the night as they help reduce how quickly fire and smoke spreads around the house.
If you don’t have working smoke alarms, give us a call on 0800 731 5958. Smoke alarms are fitted free of charge for those over 65 or meeting certain criteria.
There are lots of other ways of reducing the risk of fires in the home.
- Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children
- Don’t overload electrical sockets
- Don’t leave cooking unattended and avoid cooking if you have been drinking or taking medication that makes you drowsy
- Before going to bed…
– Close all internal doors
– Switch off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on
– Put candles and cigarettes out properly. DON’T smoke in bed
– Make sure exit routes are clear & keys are where everyone can find them
– Take your phone with you so you can call for help in the event of an emergency. - In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 999.
SMOKING – PUT IT OUT, RIGHT OUT
If you are a smoker, or know someone who is, you will have heard about the cost and health benefits of quitting, but have you ever considered the fire risk associated with smoking?
Five out of the seven people who died in fires in the home in the last year died in fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials. More people are killed in house fires started by smoking materials than any other cause.
If you care for someone who is vulnerable, it might not be in their best interests for you to buy them cigarettes.
Without a doubt, quitting is the best way to remove the fire risk, but if you don’t want to quit, make sure you follow this advice to prevent smoking-related fires:
- NEVER smoke in bed. You could easily fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and cause a major fire
- USE a proper heavy ashtray that cannot be tipped over easily
- DON’T empty your ashtray straight into a bin as the embers and ash could still be hot and cause a fire
- KEEP matches and lighters away from children
- DON’T leave e-cigarettes charging overnight
ALWAYS follow the manufacturer’s guidelines