Summer safety and fire advice

Stay safe this summer

Follow our summer safety guide and find out if you’re eligible for a free visit from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service to help protect your home from fire.

Top tips to keep your home and your family safe

• If you live in a flat, remember that barbecues are not allowed on balconies.
• If you live in a house and have a gas barbecue in the garden, be mindful of where to keep the gas bottle. Never put the gas bottle, or any flammables or aerosol cans, in electric cupboards. If you aren’t sure where to store your gas barbecue or flammables, just talk to your Local Housing Office.
• Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal barbecue at home, or in a picnic spot, check out Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service online guide to barbecue safety
• Always keep communal fire doors closed. Never prop them open (even in warm weather) as they are designed to help prevent the spread of fire and smoke and allow people to escape the building safely. If you see a fire door wedged open, please close it, and if you notice a fault with a fire door, please report it.
• Always keep your flat front door closed and never prop it open as your front door is designed to help prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Also do not disconnect or remove the door closer.
• Do not leave charging devices plugged in and switched on overnight as these can get hot and ignite.
• Don’t block the exits in communal hallways and stairwells. These areas always need to be kept clear as they are your escape routes in the event of a fire. Things like paddling pools, bicycles, pushchairs, garden furniture and garden equipment all need to be kept in your flat and not in communal areas.
• If you live in a flat don’t cover up, wallpaper over or tamper with the sprinkler heads. Also, you should not use a steam or heat wallpaper stripper to strip wallpaper if you have a sprinkler system in your flat

As restrictions continue to ease, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service is resuming free Safe and Well visits to help vulnerable people protect themselves and their home from fire. Each visit includes personalised fire safety advice and a custom-made information pack. Plus, the Fire Safety Officer will also check or install new smoke alarms and provide fire-retardant bedding, furniture throws and nightwear if needed. You can request a Safe and Well Visit if you or someone you know fits one or more of these characteristics:

• Is over 65 years of age
• Lives alone
• Has a physical and/or learning disability
• Has any sensory impairment
• Is known to be substance or alcohol dependent
• Is unable to protect themselves from harm
• Is experiencing domestic abuse
• Is returning from hospital and there are fire risk concerns identified

For more top tips and safety advice on how to keep your family and home safe from fire check out the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service online guides.