FEEL MORE AT HOME A fire-safe house
There are three vital things to prevent fires from breaking out in your home:
A working smoke alarm, a clean stove extractor,
and that you and your neighbours never store anything in the stairwell
that could make it difficult for firefighters to access the building, and for you to escape.
First, the smoke alarm. The landlord must make sure there is a smoke alarm.
But YOU are responsible for making sure it works.
So every time you change the clocks to summer time or winter time,
check your smoke alarm to make sure it’s working.
You can do this by pressing a small button on it. It will then sound.
If the smoke alarm doesn’t sound, it may mean the batteries need to be changed.
Here’s how you change them:
If the smoke alarm starts to emit single beeps, it’s time to change the batteries.
If you don’t know which battery your smoke alarm needs,
take the old battery with you to the shop or take a picture of it.
Did you know a fire can start if there’s too much fat in the kitchen extractor fan filter?
The fat in the filter can melt in the heat, and drop onto the stove where it can catch fire.
Make sure you wash the filter regularly. Here’s what to do:
Remove the filter.
Soak it in the sink with some detergent.
Use a washing up brush to remove as much fat as possible.
Leave the filter to soak overnight and then let it dry.
If oil catches fire in a saucepan, never pour water on it.
Smother the fire with a lid and turn off the fan.
Items stored in the stairwell pose a serious fire hazard. NOTHING must be stored there.
This is your and your neighbours’ means of escape and the firefighters’ way in.
It can be a huge problem if there are things in the way.
So, for safety's sake, NEVER store items in the stairwell!
What you need to ensure your smoke alarm is fire safe:
A chair or stool and a new battery.
What you need to ensure your kitchen extractor fan is fire safe:
Rubber gloves, a sink, a washing up brush, and towels.
And to make sure the stairwell is fire-safe, simply don't store anything there!
Be fire smart. Always have a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket ready,
so you’re prepared if an accident should occur.