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Fire Safety In The Home
Each year firefighters in Wales attend over 2000 accidental fires in the home.
Most people can change something about their daily routine or simple things around the home to reduce their chances of having an accidental fire. Here are some examples:
- Never leave your cooking unattended
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children
- Hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow for no reason, flickering lights and scorch marks on sockets or plugs are all signs of danger – get them checked
- Never leave a burning candle unattended and ensure that candles have been completely put out when you leave the room
The best way to protect yourself and your home is to have properly fitted smoke alarms. Make sure that smoke alarms are fitted according to the manufacturers instructions and are maintained regularly. Test once a week and change the battery at least once a year if it doesn’t have a ten-year battery.
Plan
If your smoke alarm goes off do you know what to do? You should:
- Make an escape plan
- Discuss your escape plan with everyone in your home, especially children, the elderly and disabled
- Your best escape route is your normal way in and out of your home so - keep it clear
- Think of difficulties you or others may have getting out, for example in the middle of the night
- Make sure everyone knows where to find door and window keys
- Consider a second escape route, in case the first is blocked
- Establish the safest and quickest ways to escape from each part of the house
- Review your plan regularly
- Check that everyone can unlock and open doors
- Remember to shut doors behind you
This page is sponsored by South Wales Fire & Rescue Service
