Get a smoke alarm and stay alive
If a fire broke out in your home, could you and your family get out in time? …Do you know how many appliances you can use on one plug socket, before it becomes a fire risk? Are you certain your children know what to do in the event of a fire?
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and a team of Community Rangers from Broxbourne Housing Association want to make sure you and your family stay safe from fire in your home. Paying attention to fire risks in your home now could save your lives.
Fit a smoke alarm on each level of the property and test weekly – In the UK 90 people die each year because the battery in their smoke alarm was flat or missing.
Don't overload electrical sockets - Only have one plug in each socket. If you need more plugs than there are sockets, use a 'bar type' fuse adaptor and keep the total amps of all plugs in the adaptor to 13 amps or less. Faulty electrics (appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets) cause around 7,000 house fires across the country every year.
Know your escape route – make sure you and everyone who lives in your house know the quickest route out of the property in the event of a fire, and consider an alternative in case your usual one is blocked. Make sure everyone knows where you keep all the door and window keys.
Make a bedtime fire safety check – You are more at risk from a fire when asleep. So it’s a good idea to check your home before you go to bed.
Don’t leave cooking unattended - Over half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents.
If you smoke, take extra care when smoking inside - Every three days someone dies from a fire caused by a cigarette.
Never leave candles unattended – keep them away from flammable surfaces or textiles such as curtains, TV sets or baths - More than five fires a day are started by candles.
If a fire starts, Get out, Stay out and Call 999
If you would like fire safety advice or want to arrange a free home fire safety check during which you will be given invaluable fire safety advice tailored to your property and smoke alarms can also be fitted free of charge where appropriate, please call your local community rangers on 01992 453700.