Fire prevention

This information has been put together by Kent Fire & Rescue and is also available in Czech and Nepali

Small fires in the home can cause serious injuries and extensive damage to property and possessions.

By following a few simple steps and maintaining a basic level of awareness you can considerably reduce the chances of fire in your home.

The following twelve tips will help to keep your family and home safe.

  1. Fit smoke alarms on each floor of your home, keep them dust free and test them once a week. Consider buying a ten year alarm; otherwise change the batteries every year.
  2. Make a fire action plan so that everyone ion your home knows how to escape in the event of fire.
  3. Keep exits from your home clear of obstructions so that people can make their escape if there is a fire. Make sure that occupants can find keys for doors and windows easily.
  4. Take care in the kitchen – accidents while cooking account for 59% of fires in the home. Never leave young children unsupervised in the kitchen.
  5. Take extra care when cooking with hot oil; if you don’t use one already, consider buying an electric deep fat fryer.
  6. Never leave lit candles unattended, and ensure they are in a secure holder on a heat resistant surface away from flammable materials.
  7. Ensure cigarettes are stubbed out and disposed of carefully.
  8. Don’t overload electrical sockets. Remember – one socket, one plug.
  9. Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
  10. Take special care when you are tired or if you have been drinking. Half of all deaths in domestic fires happen between 10pm and 8am
  11. Don’t leave the TV or other electrical items on standby as this could cause a fire. Always switch it off and unplug it when not in use.
  12. Never smoke in bed.

For further help or advice, visit www.firekills.gov.uk