Home Safety Week

This week is NFCC’s Home Safety Week 2020.

As part of their campaign, the NFCC state “In 20% of accidental dwelling fires in the UK smoke alarms fail to activate. The most common reason was because the fire was outside the alarm’s range. So, we ask householders to install alarms to ensure the whole home is covered. Smoke alarms should be installed in the rooms used most, this is where a fire is most likely to start.”

The Home Office has provided guidance on how to make your home safe from fire. Click the links below to read or download leaflets from Gov.uk

• Fit smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them at least monthly.

• If you smoke, stub your cigarettes out properly and dispose of it carefully; never smoke in bed.

• Don’t cook when under the influence of alcohol, never leave cooking unattended and keep it out of reach of children.

• Don’t overload electrical sockets and ensure an electrical appliance has a British or European safety mark on it when you buy or use it. Turn off electrical appliances and plugs when you are not using them, before you go to bed or go out.

• Keep lit candles, portable heaters and other sources of heat away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes. Ensure candles are put out completely when you leave the room or go to bed.

• Plan and practice a safe escape route and make sure everyone in you house knows it.

• In the event of a fire, don’t tackle the fires yourself. Stay calm, get out, stay out and call 999.