The children were all very fortunate to have fire safety talks on Monday 18th January. Covering aspects such as the dangers of matches and candles and making a 999 call, the talk was an excellent safety reminder for everyone. Remember to check your smoke alarm regularly and plan an escape route. The children received a young fire fighter folder with lots of free goodies and advice for all the family.

It’s important that you know how to reduce the chances of a fire starting in your home and keep yourself, your family and your property safe from fire, please information below.

A quick guide to fire safety

Following these simple tips will make your home safer from fire - and help you and those you live with to get out quickly and safely if a fire does occur. Use the additional bedtime checks to make sure everything is safe before you go to bed.

Top fire safety tips

• fit smoke alarms on each storey in your home
• test the batteries in your smoke alarm every week and replace batteries every year - never remove batteries at any other time
• avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking - keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach
• take care when cooking with hot oil - it can catch fire easily
• don't overload electrical sockets - try and keep to one plug per socket
• stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully
• be careful with candles and make sure they are secured in a stable holder and away from materials that may catch fire - like curtains
• be prepared by planning your escape
• don't tackle a fire yourself: leave it to the professionals - get out, stay out and call 999
• make a bedtime check

Bedtime checks

There are certain checks you should make before going to bed. Follow the steps below and you'll reduce fire risks in your home:

• close inside doors at night to stop a fire from spreading
• turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on - like your freezer
• check your cooker is turned off
• don't leave the washing machine on
• turn heaters off and put fireguards around open fires
• blow out candles
• stub out cigarettes
• empty cooled ashtray contents into external bins
• make sure exits are kept clear
• keep door and window keys where everyone in your home can find them