Fire and safety Advise

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.