Be safe be fire smart
Recent UK statistics show that most people die from accidental fires in their homes caused by smoking than any other single cause.
A close second is kitchen fires as a result of people being careless with appliances or distracted whilst cooking, and in third place are fires caused by electrical goods and faulty wiring. Aside from the risk of injury, fire can cause damage to your home and valuables which can be a very traumatic experience in itself.
By assessing your own personal risk and taking some daily preventative measures these domestic fire related incidents are easily avoided. If we take responsibility in how we live, and the way in which we use equipment around the home, we can reduce the risk of a fire starting. There really is no better way of dealing with a fire than preventing it in the first place.
Top 10 tips
- fit smoke alarms on each level in your home and test them weekly
- stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully, it’s easy to forget this when you’re tired or have drunk alcohol
- take care in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended especially when cooking with hot oil - it can catch fire easily
- keep matches and lighters out of reach of children
- do not overload electrical sockets - try and keep to one plug per socket and check for faulty frayed wiring
- be careful with candles and make sure they are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire - like curtains
- take special care when you are tired or when you've been drinking or taking medication. Half of all deaths in domestic fires happen between 10pm and 8am
- get ‘key clever’ Keys for windows and doors should be kept in an easy to find place where everyone can find them. This is so you can get our in an event of a fire
- be prepared by making a plan of escape and ensure everyone in the household knows what to do
- before bedtime check that all appliances are off, especially dishwashers and washing machines. Ensure that all doors are closed shut as this could stop a fire from spreading and save your life
- don't tackle a fire yourself: leave it to the professionals – Get out, stay out call 999.
If you would like to arrange a free home safety check please call the Oxfordshire Community Helpline 08000 325999.
Related links
365alive Pledge
I pledge to do my part to reduce the risk in my life by taking the following steps:
- Check my smoke alarm once a week
- Wear a seat belt in a moving vehicle
- Have a fire escape plan
Contact details
Risk Reduction Team
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue
Rewley Rd Fire Station
Oxford OX1 2EH
Phone 08000 325999
Email the team
Community Safety Helpline
