We’ve pulled together some top tips to help you stay safe in your home, and avoid a household fire:
Plan ahead:
- Create an emergency evacuation plan
- Make sure everyone living in the house knows where keys are
- Keep all escape routes clear
- Show your family your escape route and make sure everyone can open doors
- Have a second option escape route in case the first is blocked
- If any changes are made to your home, review your evacuation plan
In the event of a fire:
- Stay calm and act quickly – tell everyone to get out
- Don’t waste time trying to take valuables with you
- Close all doors behind you to contain the fire
If your escape route is blocked:
- Call 999 immediately
- Stay in a room far away from the fire and wait for the fire service to arrive
- If you can’t get to a phone, open a window and shout for help
- Put towels or bedding around the bottom of the door to reduce the smoke getting in
Fire prevention tips:
- Regularly (we advise once a month) test your fire alarm is still working.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Always keep a close eye on your cooking – especially if you use a chip pan.
- Keep all appliances and combustible materials such as tea towels and kitchen role away from the cooker when lit.
- Never leave burning candles unattended and make sure they are in a suitable holder. Find out more about using candles safely on Cheshire Fire & Rescue’s website here.
- Don’t overload electrical extension leads/adapters.
Smoke alarms
Buying and fitting smoke alarms could help you to save your home and the lives of your family.
A smoke alarm (also known as a smoke detector) is a device that detects fire in its early stages and gives a loud audible warning.
Remember to regularly test your smoke alarm! Press to test. Monthly is best.
Watch this powerful film from the government’s Fire Kills campaign
Find out more about smoke alarms from Avon Fire & Rescue service
