Fire safety

Together with Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service, we’ve put together some top fire safety tips that are easy to follow and could potentially save your life:

• If your flat has sprinklers installed do not paint or wallpaper over the sprinkler head and make sure furniture isn’t placed in front of the sprinkler head.
• Don’t remove or disconnect door closers inside your flat and close internal doors when you go to bed. These fire doors are designed to keep you safe.
• Don’t leave electrical items on charge overnight or when you go out. A common cause of house fires is when electrical items left charging on bedding and soft furnishing overheat and catch alight. Unplugging phones and laptops when charged will also help reduce your energy bills.
• Only buy electrical products from trusted brands that contain the CE mark showing they meet European safety standards. Often cheap electrical items sold on online marketplaces from unknown brands - in many cases originating from China - are found to be unsafe. Recently the consumer watchdog Which? found that a smart plug available for purchase on Amazon poses a fire risk. If you have bought a Hictkon smart plug with dual USB ports stop using it immediately and contact Amazon customer services.
• Don’t smoke in bed. Careless disposal of cigarettes is the single biggest killer in house fires so always remember to make sure cigarettes and candles are put out properly.
• Fire can spark when your concentration lapses, so stay alert when you’re cooking and keep an eye on the hob. Keep flammable items like tea towels away from the hob, wipe up spills (especially grease build up which is flammable) and unplug electric appliances like toasters, kettles and microwaves when not in use.
• Don’t overload plug sockets and extension leads and never use an electrical item if the lead is frayed or damaged.
• Don’t keep gas bottles or aerosol cans in electric cupboards as they pose a potential fire risk. If you aren’t sure where to store your gas barbecue or flammables, just talk to your Local Housing Office
• And if you live in a flat remember to always keep communal areas and stairwells clear of rubbish and clutter.

Visit the Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service website for more useful home safety tips and to find out if you’re eligible to receive a free Safe and Well visit at home to receive individual advice and support.