Safety and Prevention
Prevent a fire starting in your home
- Never smoke in a chair if you think you may doze off, never smoke in bed.
- Do not leave a lit cigarette, pipe or candle unattended.
- Use deep ashtrays so that cigarettes can not roll out and don’t throw hot ash into a waste paper basket.
- Keep matches and lighters well out of the reach of children.
- Don’t overload electrical sockets.
- Fit a smoke alarm, this gives extra time for you and others to get out safely.
- A smoke alarm is cheap and simple to install. Make sure it is a good one and complies with British standard or equivalent type of international standard. They are widely available from DIY and hardware shops.
- If you have difficulties, local voluntary organisations or the fire brigade may be able to fit an alarm for you.
- Make sure the cooker and heaters are turned off.
- Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances except those that are meant to stay on, like a fridge.
- Ensure you have access to a phone.
- Empty ashtrays, making sure the contents are cold.
- Close all doors as this prevents fire spreading.
Avoid damage or injury from fire at home
Before going to bed
Prevent a fire starting in the kitchen
- Never fill a pan more than one third full of fat or oil.
- Never leave a pan unattended with the heat on.
- Dry food before placing it in the oil – wet food will cause the oil to bubble up and possibly spill over the edge of the pan.
If the pan does catch fire
- Don’t move it or throw water on to it.
- Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so.
- If in doubt, leave the room close the door, close the door, shout a warning to others and call the fire brigade.
Condensation
Condensation and mould appears when moisture condenses on a cold surface and is identified as water droplets on the walls, ceilings and windows. This can in some circumstances lead to a spread of black mould if not cleared away.
You can greatly reduce the cause of condensation to your home by taking these few simple precautions:
- Do not dry clothes on radiators.
- Open windows and cover pans when cooking.
- Add cold water to a bath before adding the hot water.
- Do not block up air vents in walls and doors.
- Clean away any mould that appears on walls, ceilings or windows with a suitable cleaning solution before it spreads.