Advice Centre

Fire and Personal Safety

Here we have put together some basic advice about personal safety in the home and one of the biggest threats is fire. Fire is a killer so take some simple precautions.

• Smoke detectors
  The most important thing you need is a smoke alarm; without this you may not even wake up if you have a fire. We all know how sensitive they are - think of how little smoke it takes to set one off when cooking. Smoke alarms are designed to be this sensitive so that they will sound as soon as a fire, or smouldering, starts, giving you as much time as possible to leave the building. Remember you have just a few minutes though before a fire can take hold.
  
  If you live in open plan accommodation you may experience problems with false alarms. This is usually caused by cooking fumes. To alleviate this problem consider buying a detector that has a hush facility. With this detector you will be able to silence the alarm for a short period when cooking is taking place.
  
  Never remove the battery from your detector even for a short period, remember the detector is only doing its job.
  
  Most budget smoke detectors will come with a battery ready fitted. This battery will last you for at least one year. Make a point of changing that battery annually. Consider using one of your children s birthdays, or a special occasion, to remind you to change it. Never remove the battery from your detector even for a short period, remember the detector is only doing its job.
  
  
• Exit Routes
  Make sure that your planned escape route remains free of any obstructions and that there are no loose floor coverings that could trip you. Everyone in the house should be made aware of the escape route. The Fire Protection Officer at your local Fire Service can provide further advice.
  
  
• Window Locks
  Window locks can be problem when emergency exit is required. Use a simple but highly useful retractable key holder. Place near the door/window lock or hide them behind your curtains and you will be safe in the knowledge that you can get out in an emergency.
  
  
• Fire blankets
  Fire blankets are made of fire resistant materials. They are particularly useful for smothering fires or for wrapping round a person whose clothing is on fire. These will be marked to show whether they should be thrown away after use or used again after cleaning in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
  
  Never use a fire extinguisher on a fat pan fire. Fire blankets should be kept in the kitchen but do not put your blanket too close to your cooker or you may not be able reach it in the event of fire.
  
  
• Arson-proof mailboxes
  Shockingly, vandals have been known to deliberately set fire to home, offices and schools by introducing fires through letterboxes. You can install an Arson-proof mailbox that includes an integral fire-extinguisher.
  
  
• CO detectors
  A carbon monoxide detector alerts you to carbon monoxide (CO) being present in your home. You re most at risk from CO poisoning when you re asleep because you may not be able to detect early symptoms. An audible CO detector will wake you and save your life.
  
  
• Provide your family with personal alarms
  There is a range of personal alarms that are discrete and effective. They can be multi-function and integrate sirens (140+Db) with torches and typically have attachments for handbags, laptop cases, briefcases, backpacks or belt-clips. You can even find personal alarms designed to look like a wrist watch.