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Video coutesy of Directgov (firekills)

Nearly 500 deaths, and over 11,000 injuries are caused by house fires each year.
By following the steps below I hope that it will help to keep your family safe.

 


Buy a smoke detector and
install it today

Things to consider:

Does it warn of low battery power?

Does it conform to BS5446 Part 1 and carry the British Standard Kitemark?

Does it have a test button?

Does it have a reset button? (handy if your cooking sets it off!)

Will I need one that has a built in light?

How many should I buy? A. At least one per floor level.

Where should I fit them? A. Follow the makers instructions. But ensure you do not fit in bathrooms or kitchens, as cooking fumes and steam may set off the alarm.

Try to install as close to the centre of a room, hallway or landing as possible. Or at least 30 Cm (12") away from walls or light fittings. For larger more complicated houses consider fitting a linked smoke detection system which conforms to British Standard 5839 Part 6.

Note:

If your hearing is severely impaired, special devices are available that have a flashing light or vibrating pad. The pad alarm would also be suitable for blind people. Useful telephone numbers can be found at the bottom of this page.

 


Smoking in bed ad

 


Everyday precautions

Close all doors at bedtime, or when leaving house unattended. This will delay the spread of fire & smoke.

Unplug or turn off at the socket as many electrical appliances as you can.

Do not leave candles burning unattended.

Never leave children alone in the home.

Keep matches and lighters away from children.

Never trail electric cables under carpets.

Use recommended fuses in all appliances. Take a moment to systematically check all fuses in your equipment today. Note: Equipment purchased with plug attached should be rated correctly.

Still using Christmas lights that plug directly into the mains? Consider buying a new set that uses a transformer.

Check smoke detectors weekly, and replace batteries yearly or when indicated.

Vacuum or dust your smoke detector's vent grilles regularly. A build up of dust may prevent it from working.

Dispose of smoking material carefully, especially before bed time.

Never smoke in bed.

Planning to fit new windows? Ensure that you are able to fit through the window opening.

Only lock windows for security whilst away from the property.

Never store Petrol, paints, or other flammable liquids in your home.

Always store propane, and other gas cylinders outside.

Ensure House name/No. is clearly visible, especially if you live off the roadway.

When was your electrical system last checked? Consider having your wiring circuit
checked, especially in older properties.

Are you still frying chips in a saucepan? They account for a large majority of kitchen
fires. Consider buying a deep fat fryer for as little as £20, or use oven chips!


 


Make a plan

Ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire. Plan an escape route with the family, and decide on a second route should the first be blocked.

Things to consider:

Ensure that escape routes are kept clear.

Torch kept close to bed. The lighting may have Fused.

Teach your children how to make an emergency call by telephone.

Do your children know what the smoke detector sounds like? The next time you test it, show the children and explain what they should do if they hear it.

Ensure that upstairs telephones are not cordless. Most rely on mains power to operate.

Decide on a safe assembly point outside, well away from the building.

Make sure that all windows and doors are easy to open by everyone.

Tip: Keep copies of all your home contents & buildings insurance polices, & telephone contact numbers in a safe place away from the house. Perhaps in a shed or out building. The originals may have been destroyed in the fire.

If you have important work on your home computer you may want to consider saving backup copies of your work in a separate part of the building.

 


Fire Instructions

On discovery of a fire get everyone out as quickly as possible. Do not open any door before checking it for heat, use the back of your hand.

If it feels warm the fire will be on the other side. If possible close all doors behind you, to delay the spread of fire & smoke. Keep low to avoid smoke & fumes. If you are unable to leave via a normal route, consider using a window.

Protect yourself from broken glass, and consider throwing out bedding or other material to soften your landing. Do not jump from sill, but lower yourself down to arms length and drop to the ground.

If you have to remain in the room, seal the bottom of the door with a blanket or towel, and stay by an open window until help arrives.

If you are able to leave, don't try to gather possessions and DO NOT re-enter the building.

 



Do you have concerns about your child playing with fire?

Do you think that you may be at risk?

Contacting the " Firewise Advisory Scheme."

Online Form
(Surrey Fire & Rescue Service)

The 24 Hour Helpline number is:
0800 085 0767

FireWise
 
Devices for deaf-blind people:

Universal Aids Ltd

 

01614 809228

Summit CP 01215 546946
Arc Fire Protection 01489 582789

Disabled Living Foundation 0171 289 6111
National Federation of the Blind (UK) 01924 291313
Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation 0171 250 3222 (Textphone 0171 250 4119)
Royal National Institute for the Blind 0171 388 1266
Royal National Institute for Deaf People 0808 808 0123 (Information Line)

Please note that this site is unofficial