Fire Safety Around the Home

• Keep a fire extinguisher and blanket in the kitchen; these should be located in a visible position, preferably near the entrance/exit to the kitchen.
• If cooking oil catches fire, do not use a water based fire extinguisher, instead carefully use a fire blanket to smother the flames.
• Ensure cables to electrical devices are not dangling off the edge of work surfaces where they can be caught against clothes etc or worse where children can grab hold of them.
• Turn pot handles inwards so they cannot be reached by small children or knocked off the stove.
• Wear close fitting clothes when cooking as loose sleeves or scarves can catch fire.

• Regularly clean the lint off your clothes dryer as this is a common source of fire.
• Never leave the house and leave an operational clothes dryer unattended.
• When hanging laundry around the home to dry, never leave it near a heater or place it over a heater.

• If you smoke, make sure there are large ash trays around the home and empty them regularly, ensuring all contents are completely extinguished.
• Don’t overload power sockets with electrical items and ensure cords are neatly tucked away.

• Ensure your electric blankets are safety checked regularly.
• Electric blankets should not be used with people prone to incontinence/bed wetting.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Ensure you have a monitored smoke alarm either in your bedroom or in the hallway where it can be heard.

• All heaters should be kept well away from flammable materials such as curtains, furniture, bedclothes.
• Wood or coal fires should only be used in proper fire places or stoves.
• Always place a fire guard in front of an open fire.
• Never leave children unsupervised near a fireplace.

• Always ensure that the keys to deadlocks are left in the lock when home, this will aid your escape in the event of a fire.
• Monitored smoke alarms are recommended for hallways. For more information on monitored smoke alarms, visit our home security section.

• Have an electrician check wiring and install an earth leakage circuit breaker.
• Replace worn or frayed cords on electrical appliances.
• If an appliance gives off a burning smell, switch it off immediately at the plug, do not use again until checked by an electrician.

• Draw a plan of your home.
• Plan two ways out of every room, including the bedrooms.
• Be sure that all locks can be unlocked quickly.
• If the escape is from above the ground floor make sure there is a safe way down. It is a good idea to purchase a rope or chain ladder for this purpose.
• Practice your escape plan including crawling low rather than walking through your home.
• Choose an evacuation meeting place away from danger, preferably to the front of the property, such as the letter box or gate post.
• Place a copy of your escape plan in a prominent position such as a notice board or fridge door.

• If a fire breaks out and you cannot tackle with a fire extinguisher leave your home immediately.
• Crawl low to the ground as this is where there is least smoke.
• Close all doors as you go; this will slow down the spread of smoke.
• Test each door with the back of your hand, if it is hot do not open it and use another escape route.
• If you are trapped, stuff the cracks around doors to keep smoke out and signal for help from a window.
• Do not return inside to collect treasured belongings or pets.
• Check everyone has got out safely by meeting at a pre-arranged point outside.
• Call the fire brigade as soon as possible, either from a neighbour’s house or public phone.

• STOP – don’t run as this will fan flames.
• DROP to the ground and cover your face with your hands.
• ROLL over to smother the flames.

• If your skin is burned place the wound immediately in cool water for 5-10 minutes.
• Do not use butter or grease; this will only keep the heat in.
• If the burn blisters or chars see a doctor.

You can learn more about monitored security systems by checking out the ADT Life Safety Solutions available to you.