The Best Guide for the BH12 Area

Staying Safe

Published: 13th June 2008 09:47

Friendly Advice from Dorset Fire & Rescue Service

Last year, Dorset Fire and Rescue Service attended many accidental dwelling fires, which could have been avoided if people were more aware of basic fire safety in their homes.

Being aware of the dangers of fire and taking preventative measures could help save lives of you and your family.  Your home is full of potential fire risks, if you are aware of these risks, you can ensure that you GET SMART and reduce the chances of a fire starting in your home.  The list below highlights some of the most common causes of house fires.

• Cooking - including chip pans and deep-frying
• Smoking
• Candles
• Heaters and Fires
• Overloaded or faulty electrics
• Children's curiosity

Fires stike when you least expect them, often during the night.  They can spread quickly but it is the smoke that is the real killer, if you are asleepwhen a fire starts and you have not got a fire alarm fitted to wake you up, your chances of surviving is zero.

GET EQUIPPED

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service can offer a free home safe check to priorty groups, if you have no smoke detectors, these can be install free of charge.  The alarms are fitted with ten year batteries and and any existing alarms will be tested and replaced if necessary.

There are also alarms with strobe lighting and vibrating pads for people who are hard of hearing or deaf. 

Remember!! Your smoke alarm must work to save your life.

Make sure you check the battery once a week, dust it every six months and change the battery every twelve months (unless it is a ten year alarm).

When considering fire safety in the home, there are a few more ways you can help to prevent a fire from happening: -

When cooking, never leave it unattended, anything can take your attention away (door bell, telephone, television, children).  It is far safer to turn the cooking off than leave it unattended, a fire will only take seconds to start.

If you smoke, it is always important to ensure that ou put your smoking materials completely ouot.  Tobacco is designed to stay lit which is way cigareetes can easily start an accidental fire, the same rule applies to candles.  A candle flame may be small but more than five fires a day are started by candles so handle with care.

These are just a few tips to help keep you and your family safe at home.

Finally, if you are unfortunate to experience a fire in your home, GET OUT, call 999 and let the experts put it out.

To find out further information, please visit www.dorsetfire.gov.uk and www.firekills.gov.uk