Fires can start in any room in your home and the effects can be devastating. While most house fires are accidental, knowing where the risks are in your home and how to prevent them is crucial to keep your home and loved ones safe.
Here are the 10 top tips from Essex County Fire & Rescue Service for staying safe from fire at home:
- Make sure you have smoke alarms on every floor of your home
- Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they are working. Test smoke alarms regularly
- Take extra care in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended
- Avoid using a chip pan or any other pan filled with hot oil
- Don’t overload electric sockets – most can only take a maximum of 13 amps
- Keep matches and lighters away from children
- Keep clothes well away from heaters and open fires
- Put out cigarettes properly and dispose of them carefully
- Don’t charge items such as mobile phones, tablets or e-cigarettes overnight
- Plan an escape route and make sure everyone knows how to get out in the event of a fire
Don’t forget we offer free Home Safety Visits to anyone living in Essex. If you do not have working smoke alarms, or have working smoke alarms but would like more information about how to live safely and securely at home, book one of our free visits today:
Book your Home Safety Visit
Call: 0300 303 0088
Web: essex-fire.gov.uk/book
Email: home.safety@essex-fire.gov.uk
Fire safety equipment at home
We often get asked if homeowners should have a fire extinguisher to use in the event of a fire. And while it may help you feel safer, we don’t encourage you to tackle fires and out yourself at risk. Fires can quickly get out of control and spread quickly, so we recommend that if you have a fire at home to get out, stay out and call 999. The best piece of equipment to keep yourself safe is a working smoke alarm