Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is asking residents to reduce the risk of having a fire in their homes this Home Fire Safety Week.
Home fire safety should be a priority. As many households continue to struggle with the cost of living, people may have made changes or bought products which could increase the risk of a fire. A few simple checks and changes can help keep you and your home safer:
- Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home.
- Plan an emergency escape route, and practice it with everyone you live with.
- Never leave cooking unattended; most domestic house fires start in the kitchen.
- Switch off appliances at the plug where possible before you go to bed.
- Don’t leave appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines running overnight or when the house is empty.
- Do not smoke cigarettes or other smoking products in bed.
- If you have a recalled appliance – don’t risk it, stop using it. Register your appliance at registermyappliance.co.uk for the latest recall information.
- Good housekeeping, like keeping ovens and filters clean, can prolong the life of an appliance and reduce the risk of fire.
- Check with older relatives, friends and neighbours as they may need help identifying issues with appliances and protecting themselves from the risks of an incident occurring.
- In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 999.
Ed Jennings, Community Safety Adviser, said: “While we understand the pressures people are currently facing and affordability is a major factor for many, it is essential to know what to do if the worst happens and a fire does start.
“We strongly advise people to fit working smoke alarms on every floor of a home and, if possible, a heat alarm should be fitted in the kitchen. These alarms will give you precious extra seconds to get out in the event of an emergency. Devise an escape plan with everyone in your home and remember to get out, stay out and call 999 if a fire starts in your home.”
For more home safety advice, visit our Safety at Home page.