13 December 2009

Fire Safety Advice



In my last post, Safe as Houses, I wrote about my home security fears.

In the comments, the lovely Liz from Living With Kids mentioned fire safety. I had forgotten to mention in my post my escape plans in the event of a fire, but I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about them.

When we moved into this house I arranged a visit from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LF&RS). A dashing fireman came round and did a FREE fire safety inspection.

This is what the LF&RS provides:
  • We will provide and install FREE 10-year smoke alarms where necessary.
  • Give life saving advice in the event of a fire in your home.
  • How to make a fire escape plan for you and your family.
  • Practical advice on identifying fire hazards in the home.
What a fantastic service! I would hope that this is available around the UK and elsewhere.

I thought it would be useful to pass on some tips that we were given, there are more in the booklet we were given, but these are the ones I can remember off the top of my head.
  • Check your smoke alarm weekly.
  • Don't leave washing machines or tumble dryer running when you go out, they are the cause of a great many house fires.
  • Keep internal doors closed at night and when you are out.
  • Keep lighters and matches hidden/locked away.
  • Be careful where you place candles and make sure they are extinguished before you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Only tackle a fire if you are certain you know what you are doing. It's better to phone 999 than risk hurting yourself or making the fire worse.
  • Know your exit routes.
  • Keep exit routes clear.
  • Keep keys by doors and windows so that you can find them in the dark/in smoke.
  • When heading for the door keep low.
  • A damp towel will provide some relief from smoke inhalation.
  • Do not take a detour to save things - things can be replaced - get you and your children out and stay out.
Clearly these are mostly common sense, but we all need reminding from time to time!

If you have any more please add them in the comments so we can all share.







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5 comments:

  1. Great advice, thanks! I think they do free fire safety checks in my area, I should take them up on it. (And you get a fireman round? Fantastic!)

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  2. An excellent post, full of informative facts, not to mention a kick up the backside for people like me who become complacent about safety issues. Many thanks for this.

    CJ xx

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  3. I knew that about the tumble dryer but didn't think about the washing machine to be honest. When your kids get to teenagers, put an extra smoke alarm in their bedroom (especially if they're girls). The amount of times I have smelt burning from hair straighteners.

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  4. This is really helpful and I'm going to see if I can get a fire safety check visit too - I didn't know about that. I do have quite a paranoia about fire and often find myself coming downstairs at night to check things have been switched off. I also won't close my stairgate at night because I'm scared it could make it difficult to get out if we ever needed to.

    Thanks again for this - very useful advice!

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  5. Make Do Mum, I hope you can get a fire safety check done (by a fireman)!

    CJ, you're very welcome. x

    Ang, apparently it's because it's got a motor that could burn out. Smoke alarms in children's bedrooms is a great idea.

    Solveig, I'm glad you found it helpful. I hope you can get a check. Better to be safe...

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