Home Fire Safety

Campaigns

Fire safety awareness displays and talks within the community will be available throughout 2013 on the Isle of Wight. Talks are normally held at the request of community groups or organisations. If you wish to request a fire safety awareness talk, please contact us using the contact information tab above.

Displays will be set up in prominent places within the workplace, at large retail stores and at shows and fetes. Information will be displayed relating to various fire safety themes, smoke alarms, planning escape from fire, arson, electrical safety, safety with candles, firework safety and cigarette safety. All of these themes are available to download from this web site or leaflets are available from the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

Fire Kills Campaign - January 2013 - Smoke Alarms

This years resolution: Protect your loved ones from fire.

The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are asking people to make one of their resolutions in 2013 to make sure their smoke alarms are up-to-date and are in the right place to protect their home.

Many people see January as an opportunity for a fresh start, and safety should be no exception. So this during January the Isle of wight Fire and Rescue Service are encouraging everyone to make sure they have enough smoke alarms in the home and that they work.

A smoke alarm can give someone the few extra seconds they need to escape in a fire. But while the majority of homes across the country now have an alarm fitted, most people are not aware that the average alarm has a lifespan of just ten years and then need replacing.

On top of that, for those who live in a multi-storey home or a larger property a single smoke alarm may simply not be enough. Last year, nearly half of all household fires where the smoke alarm did not give a warning were because the alarm was not close enough to detect the fire.

So the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to make sure that their alarms are up to date and up to the job.

To keep your alarms in working order:

• Test your smoke alarm by pushing the button regularly;
• Check the packaging for your smoke alarm to make sure it’s still up to date;
• Make sure there is at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home;
• Fit smoke alarms on landings and hallways and in rooms which have an electrical appliance; and
• Take a moment to check on your less able loved ones to ensure they’re fully protected.

Trevor Moyce, Community Prevention and Protection Manager said:

“At this time of year, many will be thinking of what they can do - big or small - to make a fresh start and improve their lives, homes and wellbeing. A smoke alarm can offer vital protection for you and your loved ones, but most people simply fit and forget – they don’t know if it might be coming to the end of its lifespan.

“For most of us, there is nothing more important than keeping our loved ones safe and secure. So if your alarm is getting past its best or your top floor is missing an alarm of its own, make your New Year’s resolution to fit new ones, and protect your loved ones in 2013."

Click here for information on Home Fire Safety Checks.

Fire Kills Campaign - February 2013 - Cooking Fire Safety

How to cook safely

• Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking on the hob.  Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach to keep them safe.
• Make sure saucepan handles don’t stick out – so they don’t get knocked off the stove.
• Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – this can easily catch fire.
• Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
• Double check the cooker is off when you’ve finished cooking.
• Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking, take pans off the heat or turn the heat right down to avoid risk.

Take care with electrics

• Keep electrics (leads and appliances) away from water.
• Check toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls.
• Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order.  A build up of fat and grease can easily lead to a fire.

Deep fat frying

• Take care when cooking with hot oil – it sets alight easily.
• Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn’t splash.
• If the oil starts to smoke – it’s too hot.  Turn off the heat and leave it to cool.
• Use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer.  They can’t overheat.

What to do if a pan catches fire:

• Don’t take any risks.  Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so.  Never throw water over it.
• Don’t tackle the fire yourself – Get Out, Stay Out, Call 999.