12 steps to Fire Safety

Fire Safety

Is your home "fire safety" ready? Thousands of residents across the UK are not properly prepared for fire prevention in their own home. Each year, throughout the UK, there are lives taken in house fires that could have been prevented through simple precautionary measures.

There is a certain impossibility to try to prevent all possible fires in your house. However, there are twelve steps recommended by the UK's fire prevention unit that can significantly minimise the risks.

12-Steps to Fire Safety

According to "Fire-Kills", a section of UK government which oversees fire prevention and education, there are several important considerations to make when attempting to make your home 'fire ready':

1. Install smoke alarms on each level of your house. Test the detectors once a week, and keep them free from dust and other foreign objects.

2. Develop a 'fire ready' family action plan, so that everyone knows how to escape in the event of a fire.

Many of the suggestions put forth by the 'fire-kills' department contain a common element of communication. It is critical that your family is always aware of the safety precautions and prevention tips - and are just as educated as you are in fire prevention methods. Consider these other suggested steps:

3. Always make sure the exits in your home are clear from any blockings, so that people are guaranteed a suitable exit strategy.

4. Make sure all family members have keys.

5. Half of all fires start in the kitchen - take extra care when cooking. Never allow young children to be alone in the kitchen while something is cooking.

6. Be extremely careful when cooking with hot oil. Consider having a fryer installed with a thermostat

7. Be very cautious when using candles as a lighting source. Candles are often associated with causes of house fires.

8. Don't smoke while in bed. Cigarettes, if not properly put out, are a great source of danger for fire.

Sometimes, these fire prevention tips are associated with making routine changes in your day to day house functions. By simply changing a number of old habits in your routine, you may be able to protect your family from further dangers. Consider these changes to your routine:

9. Try to start closing doors at night time.

10. Prevent electrical fires by not overloading electrical sockets. One plug for one socket

11. Try to take special care if you are tired or if you have been drinking - letting your guard down can allow fire dangers to take place in your home.

12. Keep lighters and matches away from children

13. Don't leave electrical appliances on standby as this could cause a fire. Always turn off electrical devices.

It is very difficult to try to prevent all possible scenarios for fires. However, by taking the time to become more aware of the dangers inside of your home, you may be well on your way to protecting your family and your home from fire disaster.

Keeping your home and your family safe is the top priority. Take care of both by following a regular maintenance plan with all of your appliances.

Protect and maintain your home with reliable and professional care from British Gas' many Care and Repair packages. Learn More.

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