Four of the key messages - Fit smoke alarms; Test them every week; Plan an escape route; Get out, stay out and call 999.
8 June 2009
Firefighters are calling on people to Think Fire, Think Family as part of a new campaign urging everyone to ensure relatives of all ages are safe from the devastating and possibly fatal dangers of fire.
Although local figures show a fall in the number of injuries in accidental fires in the home and no deaths in the past year, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is urging people not to become complacent.
Community safety manager Terry Ridgley said: “We’re all at potential risk from fire in the home, but according to latest national statistics the elderly and young people are particularly vulnerable to this danger.”
Latest UK figures show:
- Over half of all those who die in accidental house fires are aged over 65.
- In 2006, 32 children under the age of 16 died in accidental house fires.
- On average, five people aged between 17 and 24 are killed or injured by fires each day.
In the 12 months from 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009, there were 240 accidental house fires in Buckinghamshire and 136 in Milton Keynes. Thankfully, no-one lost their life, but 17 people suffered injuries.
Terry added: “Fire statistics show that you are more than twice as likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a working smoke alarm. It’s therefore essential that young people and older people alike have working smoke alarms that are checked regularly, and that you think about how you would get out of your home in the event of a fire.
“I urge everyone to think not only about themselves, but also their family and friends when it comes to fire safety. It only takes a few moments to check the smoke alarm of an elderly parent, or install an alarm for a child who has moved out of home for the first time. These simple steps save lives.”
Birds of A Feather Actress Linda Robson, who has herself been a victim of an accidental house fire, is supporting the campaign.
She said: “It’s so important that families stick together and that we take care of each other. My mum lives nearby and I always make sure she is safe and happy in her home.
“It takes just seconds to check a smoke alarm is working - you can do it while the kettle boils, just in time for a cup of tea after.
“As a mother myself, I feel strongly that family is precious and for this reason I’m urging everyone to take some time out of their daily routine to check that loved ones are safe.”
Here are Terry’s top tips to ensure you and your family stay safe from fire:
Fit and maintain a smoke alarm: You should have one on each level of your home and test it weekly. The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room, or on the hallway and landing.
Test it weekly: A working smoke alarm can give you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999.
Plan your escape route: Make sure you and your family know the quickest way out in the event of fire. Consider an alternative route in case your usual one is blocked.
In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 999: Don’t delay for valuables, and don’t investigate or try to tackle the fire. Use a mobile, a neighbour’s phone or a phone box to call 999. If someone needs to be rescued wait safely outside for the firefighters who have the equipment and training to do it. Never go back in.
Check on others: When you visit relatives or friends, look out for safety hazards in the home. Offer to help test their alarm and plan escape routes together.
Keep internal doors shut: This will slow down the spread of fire.
A word about electric blankets: Make sure they are turned off and stored flat, or loosely folded or rolled up when not in use. Never use them with a hot water bottle. Statistics show that fires caused by electrical appliances, electric blankets have the highest rate of injury, with 440 injuries for every 1,000 fires.
For more information on fire safety in the home, or to book a free fire safety check in your home, ring 01296 744447, email cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or fill in the online form at www.bucksfire.gov.uk