Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is encouraging people to consider their home fire safety this September as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council campaign.
The campaign urges people to keep their homes safe from fire and considers several risks including, chimneys, electronic goods and gas appliances. Paul Scott, Prevention Manager for RBFRS, states: “Protecting our homes is a priority for us all and following a few simple steps can go a long way to protecting your property. Turning off electrical appliances at the plug, staying in the kitchen when cooking, and installing working smoke alarms are just some of the ways you can keep your home safe.
“This September, we are also supporting two home fire safety campaigns: Chimney Fire Safety Week and Gas Safety Week. 90% of thatched roof fires are started by faulty flues or chimneys. Therefore, we are urging users of chimneys and similar appliances to ensure they are regularly swept clean.
“Meanwhile, research carried out by the Gas Safe Register shows that one in four UK households has a dangerous gas appliance within them. To stay safe, It is crucial that all gas appliances are checked annually by certified Gas Safe Registered engineers.”
The best way to avoid a fire is to prevent an incident from happening. RBFRS is sharing tips to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe from a fire in your home:
Chimneys Safety:
- Use the appropriate fuel for your appliance.
- Do not interrupt the air supply by blocking air vents or air bricks.
- Avoid ‘slumbering’ an appliance.
- Never store the fuel next to an appliance.
- Chimneys should be swept by professionals according to the type of fuel used:
- Smokeless fuels – at least once a year
- Bituminous coal – at least once a year
- Wood – quarterly when in use
- Oil – once a year
- Gas – once a year (any work on gas appliances requires a Gas Safe registered installer or engineer).
For further information from RBFRS visit chimney fire safety
For options on clean and safe fuel visit: HETAS
Gas safety:
- Always use Gas Safe registered engineers to fit, fix or service your gas appliances – ask to see the engineer’s Register ID card to confirm that they are qualified to be carrying out the work.
- Do not use alternate fuel, such as disposable barbecues, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and test them regularly; and
- Make sure all gas appliances have had their annual safety checks.
- Be aware of the signs that your gas appliance may be unsafe. Typical signs include a lazy yellow flame instead of a crisp blue flame, soot and staining around the appliance, and excess condensation in the room.
- Sign up to a free annual gas safety check reminder service at www.staygassafe.co.uk.
For further information visit: Gas safety