Fire safety at home
Nearly all household fires can be prevented by reducing fire hazards in your home.
The general top safety tips include:
- Fit smoke alarms on each level in your home and regularly test them
- Don’t overload electrical sockets and never use faulty appliances
- Extinguish cigarettes properly and dispose of them carefully
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children
- Before going to bed, check everything has been turned off and shut interior doors to prevent a fire spreading
Most fire deaths and injuries occur while people are sleeping. Don’t wait for a fire to happen – make your emergency evacuation plans now and involve all your family. Regularly quiz your children about your plans to ensure they do not forget what to do.
- Identify escape routes from your home – both downstairs and upstairs – and regularly practise your fire drill, especially with your children
- Keep your exit routes free from clutter
- Always keep window and door keys where your family can find them quickly
- If possible fit fire escape ladders close to your upstairs exit route(s)
- If moving or trapped in smoke, stay close to the floor where the air is cleaner
- If a door feels hot never open it as it probably means there is a fire on the other side
- Identify a close but safe meeting place outside of your home
- Never re-enter your home until the Fire Service has made it safe
For further advice and information visit the West Midlands Fire Service website www.wmfs.net
