Tracy Francis from Norfolk Fire and Rescue kindly gave a talk at one of our Volunteer Zoom meetings on the importance of being aware of fire risks within home. She shared some very important and useful advice.
There should be one smoke detector in a bungalow and two in a house. These should be tested once a week. If there is one in the kitchen and the centre of the detector sticks out this is a heat detector so will not be set off if you burn the toast. To test the alarms a walking stick can be used to press the button. Some alarms are linked to Careline and will automatically alert the Fire Brigade. The smoke detector will have a blue sticker on to show if it is linked.
Another type of detector is the Carbon Dioxide alarm – this is used if the home has open fires and/or gas. It is used to detect dangerous levels of carbon dioxide. These are placed at the height of a light switch and should also be tested once a week.
Beware of multi-adapters as these can be dangerous. The adapter can, when fully loaded, tip out of the socket and cause a fire. It is safer to use extension leads adapters – but don’t add adaptors to this.
Most fires are from electrical items. Kitchens are high risk areas so switch off kettles and toasters when not being used and especially at night. This is in case there is a malfunction. Think about how long it is since you emptied a toaster of crumbs – do you keep it on a tray?
Make a bedtime routine that includes switching off all electrical appliances. Leave on internet routers and anything that has a clock. Close doors when leaving the house or going to bed – this can act as a break for the fire and give further time to get out of the house.
Do not leave phones and tablets charging all day/night as this is a fire risk, turn off once charged. Do not leave handheld hoovers charging beyond full i.e. charging all the time when not in use. These contain lithium batteries and can experience an electrical overload which may cause a fire.
Emollient creams are inflammable and can cause fires. The cream can remain on clothes and on the body. If you go near a naked flame the cream can cause the skin to heat up and blister and can even cause a fire.
If you have poor mobility the advice is to stay put if there is a fire. The fire brigade will get you out. Never use a stair lift if you have a fire. If the electrics fails due to the fire you will be stuck. If you are in a room and can’t get out open the window and put something across the bottom of the door such as a pillow. duvet or blanket.
You can request a Home safety visit where you will receive advice and practical help from the fire service.