22 February 2008

People who use oxygen in their homes for medical reasons are being encouraged to arrange a visit by Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service.

It’s so that firefighters can help them assess the fire risks and provide vital fire safety advice, including the best means of escape if there’s a fire.

Keith Wheeler, a member of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s community safety team, said: “A significant number of people in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes benefit from oxygen therapy in their homes.

“We are keen to meet them all so that we help make sure they are aware of all the potential risks, particularly in the event of a fire.

“A leaking cylinder could speed up the rate at which a fire spreads by providing an oxygen-rich atmosphere, and of course the cylinders themselves could explode in the event of a fire, increasing the danger to occupants and firefighters.

“By supplying your address and a description of the oxygen products you use, you will be providing vital help to firefighters if there’s ever a fire at your home.”

Users’ addresses will be entered on to a confidential database so that in the event of a 999 call from one of them, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service will know immediately that there is oxygen in the house.

Each user will be visited, and firefighters will carry out a basic assessment of the fire risks in their home. This usually takes about half an hour.

To arrange a visit, or simply to add your details on to the database, call 01296 744477 or send an email to cs@bucksfire.gov.uk

In the meantime, Keith has asked oxygen users to bear the following safety tips in mind:

• Store oxygen equipment safely, and make sure you understand how to use it.
  
  
• Never smoke, or let anyone else smoke in the same room as you, while you are using the equipment.
  
  
• If you smoke when not using oxygen equipment, extinguish all smoking products completely in a proper ashtray.
  
  
• Do not use your oxygen equipment near open fires or naked flames.
  
  
• Do not use electric razors, hairdryers or any electrical appliances while using oxygen.