DID YOU KNOW…?

• • • You are 4 times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a working smoke alarm
    • Around half of whom fires are caused by cooking accidents
    • 2 fires a day are started by candles
    • Every 6 days someone dies by a fire started by a cigarette
    • Approximately 2 fires per day are started by heaters
    • Faulty electrics (appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets) cause around 6000 fires in the home across the country every year.

Smoke Alarms

The easiest way to protect your home and your family from a fire is with working smoke alarms. Community Housing supply and fit working smoke alarms in your home to ensure that you remain safe in the event of a fire. Please ensure that you test these smoke alarms on a regular basis and report any defects to the Repairs team. A simple test of the smoke alarm could save your life.

Never tamper with the smoke alarms in the property
 

Cooking Fire Safety

More than half of all accidental house fires start in the kitchen. To minimise the risk of a cooking fire, do not use appliances that are in poor condition, that are damaged or faulty. Do not leave appliances running when you are out of the house such as tumble dryers, washing machines and dishwashers. Double check that the oven is switched off when you’ve finished cooking.

Avoid cooking whilst under the influence of alcohol or medication.

To help to reduce the risks of cooking fires, ensure handles are not sticking out to prevent pans from being knocked off the hob and make sure you turn down pans when leaving the room. Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.

Take care when cooking with hot oil as it sets alight easily.

Candle Safety

Make sure that candles are secured in a proper holder and are kept away from furniture and curtains. Candles should not be left unattended and should be blown out before you leave the room or go to bed. Children shouldn’t be left alone around candles and pets should be kept away from them.

Do not place under shelves or in enclosed spaces and you should avoid moving candles when lit.

Cigarettes

Make sure that you put a cigarette out properly and use an ashtray, and not a bin to do so. Do not leave a lit cigarette or pipe unattended and keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.

Take caution when smoking when tired, taking prescription medication or when you have been drinking - you may fall asleep and set fire to your bed or sofa.

Electrical Fire Safety

Don’t overload electrical adaptors by plugging too many appliances into one socket, especially those with a high voltage, such as kettles, irons and portable heaters.

Check plugs and cables for wear and tear and don’t use appliances that are damaged.