10 Tips for Fire Safety in the Home
Accidental fires in residential homes account for 60% of all fire fatalities in the UK and, while there was a 2% decrease last year in the number of attended fires, the 304 fire fatalities still makes for a startling statistic. It’s clear from the number of recorded accidental dwelling fires that fire safety is something that definitely should start in the home, and the experts at City Fire are here to help with just that! As specialists in the fire protection industry, we understand the best ways to avoid fire and what to do in the event of one and, as such, have produced a list of the top 10 tips for fire safety in the home!
1. Fit a fire alarm and test it regularly
One of the first steps of fire safety is to ensure that you conduct appropriate fire alarm installation. It is advised that one should be fitted on each level of your property for comprehensive fire protection, and they are best placed in or near the middle of the ceiling, at least 30cm away from walls or lights. There are two main types of fire alarm – Ionisation and Optical – and a fire safety specialist can advise you on the most suitable alarm for your environment. Another crucial aspect of fire alarm safety is to regularly test your alarm. A broken alarm is as good as no alarm, so make sure the batteries are tested each week and changed at least once a year.
2. Take care when cooking
More than 50% of accidental fires in the home are cooking related, making the kitchen somewhere you should take exceptional care. Pay close attention to the task of cooking, making sure you don’t get distracted and, if you are called away, make sure you take the pans off the heat or turn the heat down. Be particularly careful when using oils as these are a major fire risk, and also strive to never leave children alone in the kitchen when food is being prepared.
3. Plan an escape route
The best escape route is usually the normal way in and out of your home. However, if the location of the fire restricts you from using that route, it is incredibly important to have other options. We advise planning various routes, assessing the exit ways out of each room and taking into consideration the needs and abilities of everyone needing to escape, such as babies, older people, disabled people and pets.
4. Check for hazards before you go to bed
When you are asleep it takes a lot longer to become aware of a fire. It is therefore incredibly important to make sure that your house is as safe as possible from the threat of fire before you go to bed. Installing a bedroom routine that incorporates this is very beneficial, and is quick and easy to conduct. Simply go round your home checking the cooker is off, turning off and unplugging appliances, ensuring candles and cigarettes are put out and disposed of properly and turning heaters off. It is also a good idea to make sure that exit ways are clear of obstruction and to shut interior doors to slow the spread of a fire.
5. Don’t overload sockets
Householders have a tendency to overload sockets, installing extension cables and multi-point sockets without always fully realising the risks it can pose. It is recommended to only have one plug per socket, as too many appliances can overheat and cause a fire. It is also vitally important to make sure that you never use poorly wired or old plugs, sockets or cables, as this can result in the onset of an electrical fire.
6. Put cigarettes out properly
More people die in fires caused by smoking products than anything else, meaning it is incredibly important to conduct safe cigarette use if you are a smoker. This essentially consists of making sure it is stubbed out properly and disposed of in a careful manner. It is highly recommended that you never smoke in bed or when drowsy, and that you also ensure that all lighters, matches and smoking materials and paraphernalia are kept out of the reach of children.
7. Use candles, decorations and fabrics carefully
Candles, decorative lights and decorations are a growing cause of fires in the UK, meaning it is becoming more important than ever to ensure that you are taking effective precautionary steps when using any of these items. This involves keeping your candles in a stable and secure holder, keeping them away from curtains, fabrics and paper, and making sure that they are always properly put out before you leave the room or go to bed. We also advise avoiding curtains hanging over or across your letterbox as this can pose a significant fire threat.
8. Store flammable liquids and combustible materials properly
Flammable liquids are a particular threat around fire, so it is very important that, for comprehensive fire protection around your home, you make sure that any you own are stored and kept appropriately. We advise storing flammable liquids in cool, well ventilated areas, and that they are kept well away from ignition sources. It also important to ensure that electrical and gas cupboards are clear of all combustible and flammable materials and that the storage of loose combustible materials external to premises is avoided.
9. Install a fire extinguisher
High quality fire protection equipment could be the difference between life and death in the event of an emergency, which is why we fully recommend installing a fire extinguisher in your home. As different types of fire extinguisher are best suited to different types of fire, the most appropriate fire extinguisher for your property will depend on your environment. However, most homes keep a dry powder extinguisher, as they comprehensively combat Type A, Type B and Type C fires.
10. Appropriate use of heaters
Plug-in heaters use a lot of electricity and, as such, a lot of heat. It is therefore incredibly important to take care when using them as they are a major risk factor for fire ignition. It is vital to keep your heater away from curtains, furniture and fabrics, to make sure that they are never covered, and that washing is never dried on or near them. We also recommend installing a fireguard around your heater to prevent children and pets coming in contact with it.
Now that you’re a little more proficient in fire safety methods, hopefully your home will be safe, secure and completely protected. If you have any other questions on fire safety or would like more information on our extensive selection of fire protection equipment, simply give the professionals at City Fire a call today!
