Fire security tips

Top tips for fire safety

Remember, the vast majority of fires are preventable so please;

Always put cigarettes out properly before emptying ash trays and don’t smoke in bed.

Candleholders should be deep and placed on flat, heat resistant surfaces, such as ceramic plates.

Keep matches and candles away from children and make sure nothing is around candles that could catch fire (such as curtains).

Never dry or air clothes around fires or cookers and use a fire guard if necessary.

Unplug or switch off all electrical equipment not being used.

Look out for danger signs of faulty appliances or wiring such as hot plugs and sockets or blackening around them.

Don't overload electrical sockets try and keep to one plug per socket.

Take extra care when frying chips or other foods, hot oil can catch fire easily.

If your pan catches fire, do not attempt to put it out. Turn the cooker off if safe to do so and leave the room, closing the door behind you.

Never throw water on a chip pan fire (or any oil fire), you could get badly injured.

Plan your escape in the event of a fire and make sure everyone in your home knows what to do if a fire breaks out.

Make a bedtime check that all exits are clear, appliances are off, door and window keys are accessible and candles and cigarettes are properly put out.

Close all doors before going to bed to help prevent the spread of smoke and fire.

Keep fire exits and escape routes clear.

This could be a door leading from your home, a balcony walkway or any shared landing or staircase. The hall may be the only way out of your home so make sure there is nothing in the way that might slow you down.

Take special care when you are tired or when you are under the influence of alcohol. Half of all deaths from domestic fires happen between 10pm and 8am.

Report dumped rubbish that may cause a fire hazard in communal areas via your Estate Services team at the Area Housing Office.

You should not have barbeques on balconies.

It is illegal to smoke in the internal common areas of your block

Keep things that can burn, such as dishtowels, paper or plastic bags, and curtains at least three feet away from the range top.

Many young children are badly burned or die playing with matches and lighters.

Store matches and lighters in a locked cabinet.

If you must keep matches or lighters in your jacket or purse, put them in a place where children cannot see or touch them.

Space heaters need space.

Keep them at least three feet away from things that can burn, such as curtains or stacks of newspaper. Always turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.

Have a service person inspect chimneys, fireplaces, wood and coal stoves and central furnaces once a year. Have them cleaned when necessary.

Creosote logs can be used to help reduce the build-up of creosote in fireplaces. Check labels to make sure the log has been tested and approved by UL. Even if you use creosote logs, fireplaces should still be inspected by a professional each year.

Use large, deep ashtrays on sturdy surfaces like a table.

Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before dumping them in the trash.