Fire safety tips

Almost all fires in the home can be prevented, here are some fire safety tips which could help prevent a fire from starting in your home.
You can also find a page of fire safety PDF leaflets for more safety advice.

Chip Pans

Avoid using chip pans or deep fat fryers if possible. If you do have to use one, follow the advice below:

• Never fill a pan more than one-third full of fat or oil.
• Never leave the pan unattended when the heat is switched on.
• If the phone or doorbell rings, turn off the heat before you go to answer it.
• If the oil begins to give off smoke rather than haze, it is getting too hot. Do not put food in the pan when it is smoking at all. Turn off the heat and leave the oil to cool, otherwise it could catch fire.

If the pan does catch fire, do not move it. 

• Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so. But never lean over the pan to reach the cooker controls - use the master cooker switch or gas tap to turn it off.
• Get out, stay out and call the fire and rescue service out. Make the 999 call from outside the house. You can read more on kitchen safety here.

Open fires and heaters

Avoid having an open coal or wood fire if possible. If you do have one, follow these tips:

• Always have a fireguard round them.
• Never rest clothes or place newspapers on the fireguard. Use a piece of board or metal to force a draught, and put clothes on a separate clothes-airer.

Take care if using a portable heater.
Don't sit closer than three feet to a heater.
Never put a heater near clothes or furnishings.

Smoking

Be safe when smoking:
Never leave a lit cigarette or pipe unattended - it may fall onto an armchair or carpet, which will soon catch fire and start to give off dense and deadly smoke and fumes.

• Never smoke in a chair if you think you may doze off in it.
• Always keep matches and lighters well out of reach of children. You can find more information about smoking safely here

Night time fire safety

Many fires in the home start at night. Make sure you have a bedtime fire safety routine to help keep you and your family safe. The following may help:

• Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances not designed to stay on.
• Make sure no cigarettes or pipes are still burning. Never smoke in bed.
• Before emptying ashtrays make sure the contents are cold.
• Switch off portable heaters.
• Close the doors of all rooms.

Smoke alarms

Get a smoke alarm. 
A smoke alarm can give you a precious few minutes of warning, which  could help you and your family to get out safely.

• Smoke alarms cost around £5 and are simple to install.
• They are widely available from DIY, hardware and electrical shops and some supermarkets.
• Test your alarm once a week on, say, a Saturday morning, vacuum gently at least twice a year and replace the batteries annually - or get the modern alarms with a 10 year battery.
• Avon Fire & Rescue Service carries out free Home Fire Safety Visits in your area.
• Fully trained staff will visit your home, and discuss fire safety with you, as well as fitting free smoke alarms if needed.

Escape plans

Do I need a home escape plan?
If a fire occurs in your home and the power fails, you may have to get out in dark and difficult conditions.

• Escaping from a fire will be a lot easier it you have already planned your escape route and know where to go.
• Make sure everyone in the house is aware of the escape routes - even friends and visitors.

What do I do if a fire starts?

• If possible, close the door (and windows) of the room where the fire is, and close all doors behind you as you leave. ·Get everyone out as quickly as possible. It will help if you have your escape route planned.
• Don't try to pick up valuables or possessions - the delay could be fatal. Make your way out as quickly as you can.
• Never go back into the house until the fire officer has told you it is safe to do so.

What do I do if I am cut off by the fire?

• If you are unable to use the door because of flames or smoke, close the door and use (wet) towels or sheets to block any gaps. This will help stop smoke spreading into the room.
• Try to make your way to the window. If the room fills with smoke, crawl along the floor where it's easier to breathe because the smoke will rise to the ceiling.
• With the door shut, open the window and try to attract the attention of others. If you have a phone or a mobile, dial 999, or ask someone else to call for you.
• If the window does not open easily, force it with a heavy object, such as a stool or ornament. If you have to break the glass, try to knock off the sharp edges and place blankets or thick clothing over the bottom of the window to protect you from any remaining glass.
• If you are in immediate danger and your room is not too high from the ground, you may be able to escape from the window yourself. If there is a tree or bushes nearby, climb on to them. Otherwise, drop cushions or bedding to the ground below (especially if it is hard) to break your fall from the window. If you can, sit on the sill facing into the room, turn round and clamber out feet first on your tummy. Lower yourself to the full length of your arms before dropping.
• Otherwise, wait by the window with your head in the fresh air, until the firefighters can rescue you. Follow their instructions, as they know exactly what to do.