Fire Safety
There are over 50,000 accidental fires in homes in Britain every year — that's nearly 140 a day. By taking a few simple steps and talking to your children about fire safety you could help keep your family safe.
Smoke alarms
Smoke alarms can give you the few minutes warning that could save your life; they cost from as little as £5 from most DIY stores and are easy to fit.
Choose an alarm that meets the British Standard BS5446 Part 1 and carries the Kitemark. Some councils or fire and rescue services install smoke alarms free of charge. Check with your local council or your local fire and rescue service to see if they run such a scheme.
If you have a hearing impairment
There are smoke alarm systems fitted with vibrating pads and flashing lights for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The pad is placed under a mattress or pillow, when smoke is detected the alarm will sound and set off the light and pad.
The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) produce a fact sheet on smoke alarm systems for the deaf and hard of hearing. Contact the RNID information line on 0808 808 0123 or visit the RNID website.
Universal Aids Ltd, tel: 0161 480 9228 or Summit, tel: 020 7987 9537 can offer alarms with visual or vibrating warnings. RNID website (external link)
If you are a council tenant and feel you need this kind of equipment, you may be able to have it provided and installed by your council. You will have to have an occupational health assessment with your local government sensory team. Contact your local council to find out more.
Escape routes
Escaping from a fire is always easier if you have a planned escape route and everyone knows what to do.
Talk to your children; let them know how to get to the escape route from each room, where door and window keys are kept, what to do if they see fire and what to do if they are cut off by fire. If an escape route is blocked, it may be safer to stay put, find a suitable room now.
What to do if a fire starts
The main thing to do is: try not to panic.
- If possible close the door to the fire. It will delay the spread of the fire and smoke
- Touch the door with the back of your hand before opening it. Don’t open it if the door is warm—there is fire on the other side
- Get everyone out as quickly as possible. DO NOT stop to pick up valuables or possessions
- If there is smoke, crawl beneath it as smoke rises and the air is clearer lower down
- Dial 999 and ask for the Fire Brigade from a neighbour’s phone, mobile or phone box
- NEVER go back into the house unless a fire officer tells you it is safe
If you are cut off by fire
If you can’t get to the planned escape route or the door is blocked by fire:
- get everyone into the room you have chosen, ideally one with a window that opens and if possible one with a telephone
- use towels and sheets to block any gaps around the door. This will slow smoke getting into your room
- open the window and try to attract attention
If you are in immediate danger and your room is NOT above the first floor drop bedding or cushions from the window and get out feet first. Lower yourself to the full length of your arms before dropping.
