My Health

Fire Safety

Fires can start suddenly and spread quickly damaging your home and putting lives in danger.

Fires are caused in a variety of ways but there are a few simple precautions you can take to prevent them starting. The most effective way of saving life and preventing injury in the event of a fire is to have a smoke alarm fitted on each floor of the house and to check it weekly. One that is wired into the mains is best. Alternatively you could use one with a ten year battery.

 

General advice:

  • Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children.
  • Put out and dispose of cigarettes properly.
  • Keep all fires and heaters well-guarded.
  • An adequate guard covers the whole fireplace or area around the fire - not just the fire itself. When children are around use one with side clips that fix into fixed wall brackets.
  • If you have a coal fire use a spark guard overnight.
  • Keep portable heaters and candles away from furniture and curtains.
  • Don't dry or air clothes over or near the fire or cooker.
  • Have your electric blanket checked regularly.
  • Don't buy furniture that does not have the fire resistant label as it could easily catch fire.
  • Don't overload electric sockets.

 

You are almost three times more likely to be killed in a fire that starts in the night so have a good night time routine:

  • Make sure all cigarettes are properly put out.
  • Close all doors and switch off / unplug all appliances (except those designed to be left on such as refrigerators and freezers).
  • Don't leave the TV or other electrical appliances on standby. Always switch them off and unplug when not in use.
  • If you need to keep a child's bedroom door open close the doors to the lounge and kitchen.
  • Don't smoke in bed.
  • Have an escape route planned and practice it so that everyone knows how to get out safely. Remember you may have to leave the house in the dark.
  • Take special care if you are tired or have been drinking.
  • Turn off and unplug your electric blanket when in bed unless it is designed to be left on overnight.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service offer a free home fire safety check. During the visit the Fire Service will give you personal advice on how to reduce the risk of a fire, advice of how to get out in an emergency and where needed, will supply and fit smoke alarms. This service is free and available to everybody. To arrange a visit please contact the Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 169 1234.

 

For safe cooking:

  • Don't cook if you have been drinking.
  • Never leave cooking unattended.
  • Always keep an eye on the pan when deep fat frying. The pan should be no more than one third full of oil. Better still buy a thermostatically controlled deep fat fryer or use oven chips.
  • Don't leave the washing machine, dishwasher or tumble dryer on at night or while you are out.
  • Keep the oven, hob, toaster and grill clean - a build up of fat, crumbs and grease can easily catch fire.
  • Store flammable items such as aerosols, adhesives, oil, paraffin or petrol away from children and where they cannot come into direct contact with heat or sunlight.

 

Celebrate in safety - decorative lights and candles pose a real threat so:

  • Don't overload electric sockets with extra Christmas lights.
  • If you need more plugs use a 'bar type' adaptor with a fuse.
  • Extinguish candles properly and never leave unattended.
  • Don't go out and leave Christmas lights or candles burning. Check they are out before you leave the house and before you go to bed.
  • If you have old lights consider buying new ones that will meet much higher safety standards.
  • Don't use lights outdoors unless specially made for such use.
  • If a fire does start, do not put yourself at risk by tackling it. The Fire Service advice is to:
Get out, stay out and call the fire service.
For a free home safety check and free smoke alarms call your local fire service on 0800 169 1234.

 

Fire Safety

» South Wales Fire and Rescue Service

» Firebrake Wales

» Fire Kills (Directgov)

For a free home safety check and free smoke alarms call your local fire service on 0800 169 1234.

 

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