Fire Safety Advice
• Check your smoke alarms. They can give you the vital time needed to escape in a fire. Test your smoke alarms regularly (‘press to test’) and never remove the batteries or cover up the detectors.
• Don’t overload sockets. Ensure only one plug per socket and don’t join extension leads together (‘daisy chaining’). Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, e.g. freezers.
• Check your tree lights. Check your tree lights conform to British Standards (BS EN 60598) and are in good working order before use. Ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed or leave the house.
• Always use an RCD (residual current device) for outdoor electrical decorations and equipment. If outdoor decorations are permitted, this safety device can save lives by instantly cutting the power if there is a fault, and can be found in any DIY store. RCDs also have a test function; test them before first use and periodically thereafter.
• Never leave burning candles unattended. Use proper holders for candles, keep them out of the reach of children and away from decorations, cards and wrapping paper.
• Never leave cooking unattended. The majority of fires start in the kitchen so this is a high-risk area. Many of us enjoy a drink over the festive season but be sure to avoid cooking whilst under the influence of alcohol. Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.
• Put your cigarette out, right out. If you smoke, make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished and take care when under the influence of alcohol or tired. It’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and set furniture alight.
• Make sure
that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire – in the event of fire
you should get out, stay out and call 995.
