Fire Safety U.K. What You Can Do to Prevent Fires.
Fire Safety UK
Statistics There is a domestic fire every 8 minutes in the UK. The latest Government statistics show that there was a 6% fall in fires in the home to 65,000.
Deaths and Injuries 3 out of 4 fire deaths occur in homes.There were 562 deaths, which represents a 7% decrease on the 606 recorded in 2001. 25% of all people killed in home fires are asleep at the time. Injuries resulting from fires fell by 5% to 16,600. Smoking materials and matches were the most frequent cause of accidental fire deaths in the home – 41% of the total.
The above statistics indicate an encouraging downtrend, however there are still far too many fires, deaths and injuries, so there is still a real need for awareness of fire risks and ways to protect your home and family.
The complete loss of your home due to a fire leads to trauma and insecurity in all its forms, temporary accommodation, fighting insurance claims and poverty.
What you can do to ensure fire safety.
Basic Fire Safety UK Tips. Everyone should know how to make his or her house a safe home:-
- Plan your escape route for use in the event of fire, including an alternative route in case flames and smoke blocks the first. Ensure that all family members know how to escape and where door and window keys are kept.
- Install appropriate smoke alarms and test them regularly.
- Over half of all fires in the home occur while cooking. Deep fat fryers are renowned for catching fire, so consider buying one which is thermostatically controlled and never leave it unattended while cooking.
- Use fire-guards for open fires and heaters and keep clothing away from any heating appliance.
- Ensure matches and lighters are inaccessible to children.
- It is dangerous to leave lit candles unattended.
- It is a fact that smoking materials are the most frequent cause of accidental fire deaths in the home, so always ensure those cigarettes are properly extinguished and ashtray contents are disposed of safely.
- Make it a rule that you never smoke in bed.
- About half of all deaths in domestic fires happen between 10pm and 8am, when people are sleepy or under the influence of alcohol, so be extra careful in the late evening.
- Check your home electrics, is the wiring up to date; watch out for badly wired plugs, frayed power cables and overloaded sockets.
- Adopt a routine of checking the security and fire safety of your home before going to bed.
Fire Safety Equipment UK Proper use of the right fire safety equipment can successfully extinguish a fire and prevent further grievous damage to your home and possessions.If you think it is safe to do so, you can attempt to extinguish a fire in its early stages, but if in doubt evacuate the house.
Fire Extinguishers Extinguishers either contain water, foam, powder, or carbon dioxide, which work under pressureto fight various types of fire. It is vital to choose the right sort of extinguisher for home use.
Smoke Alarms UK A quarter of all people killed in home fires are asleep at the time.A smoke alarm alerts you to the presence of a fire giving you the extra time to escape, which will probably save the lives of you and your family. Smoke detectors should be tested regularly.
Fire Blankets are fireproof covers which are effective against deep fat pan fires in the kitchen, or for wrapping round a person whose clothing has caught fire. Never use any sort of extinguisher or throw water on a fat pan fire.
Fire Sprinklers are devices fitted to the ceiling, which are individually operated directly by the heat from a fire below. They sound an alarm when activated, thus alerting you as well as tackling the fire. Only properly trained, qualified contractors should design, install and maintain fire sprinkler systems.
Take action now, to ensure your home safety and reap the reward – peace of mind.
Fire Alarms…There are Several Options for Home Fire Alarm Protection.
Smoke Alarms UK…Simply Alert You to the Danger of Fire.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors…Can Prevent Danger To You and Your Family in The Home.
Fire Extinguishers UK…How to Select the Right One.
How to Use Fire Extinguishers UK…Find Out…Now!
Fire Sprinklers UK…Can Virtually Eliminate Fire Deaths.
Water Fire Extinguishers… are Suitable for Use on Class A Fires.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers…Best for Fires Involving Flammable Liquids or Gases.
Foam Fire Extinguishers… are Suitable for Both Class A & B Fires.