Bedtime fire safety
In the UK annually there are approximately 500 fire-related deaths. The majority of these occur within the home between 12am and 6am when people are asleep. Each night before you go to bed you should check of the house to make sure you are not leaving yourself vulnerable to a fire starting. You should;
- Ensure you have a planned escape route should a fire start
- Plan and practise your escape route
- Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances that you can
- Extinguish any candles
- If you smoke cigarettes or a pipe, make sure they are totally extinguished, wetting them if need be. (Never smoke in bed)
- Close doors on your escape route as that will hold fire back where smoke will activate your detection and give you enough early warning so you can get past the area where the fire is to your escape
- Switch off and unplug electrical equipment – only leave on appliances that are designed to be left on, like the fridge or your DVD recorder.
- Check your cooker – make sure the grill, hobs and oven are all turned off.
- Don’t leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher on. Their high speed of operation, friction and motors mean they can be a fire risk.
- Turn heaters off and put a guard in front of an open fire.
- Turn off your electric blanket – unless you are absolutely sure it can be left on safely, for example if it has a thermostat.
- If you use candles to brighten your home, check that they are completely out – they can go on smouldering and start a fire. Never leave one burning when you go to sleep.
- Close all doors – this can slow down the spread of a fire.
- Check your escape route – it should be clear of obstacles. Make sure everyone knows where the door keys are.
Contact MAGG Fire Services for all your fire safety needs, from fire extinguisher servicing, fire alarm installation and servicing to fire risk assessments 01785 711088