Fire is one of the most serious hazards in any home
Fire can be fast spreading, lethal and devastating – yet it is very often preventable.
Make sure you have an escape plan for safely getting out of your home in the event of a fire and keep escape routes clear at all times.
If you have children or other people dependent on you, make sure they also know what to do in an emergency.
Contact South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service if you need help with your escape plan.
If you live in a high-rise building please read our information sheet.
TOP TIPS
- Keep fires and heaters guarded, especially open fires
- Don’t dry or air clothes over or near a fire or the cooker
- Keep portable heaters and candles away from furniture and curtains and make sure they are positioned so they cannot be knocked over
- Keep the back of TV sets away from curtains and soft furnishings
- Keep children away from naked flames and make sure that matches or lighters are kept well out of reach
- Be careful not to put anything which can burn (paint, paper, material etc) next to any heat source, even if there is no flame
- Close all doors when you go to bed. Remember, fire doors are there to stop smoke and flames spreading - always keep them closed, never prop them open with anything.
- Faulty electrical equipment is a common cause of fires. Check electrical equipment regularly, especially electrical flexes/cords.
- Use aerosols or adhesives in a well ventilated place and keep away from flames, sparks or heat.
Important
It is part of your tenancy conditions that gas bottles and flammable liquids must be kept out of your home. It is also against the law to store petrol in your home.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors save lives but they must be properly fitted and checked regularly. Make sure the batteries in the alarm are always working by testing them annually and vacuum or lightly dust inside the alarm every six months or so. Alarms should be fitted upstairs and downstairs for maximum security benefit.
Chip Pans
Never fill your chip pan more than 1/3rd full and don’t leave it unattended. If it does catch fire, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a damp cloth or a lid.
NOTE: Leave pan undisturbed for at least 30 minutes after fire has been put out
Never put water on burning fat or anything electrical
Smoking
Throw cigarettes, pipes, matches and lighters away carefully. Make sure cigarette stubs are out before emptying ashtrays. Never smoke in bed or when tired – falling asleep with a lit cigarette is a common cause of fire!
Heating boilers/cupboards
Do not dry or store clothing, bedding or anything else on your central heating boiler.
Heater cupboards should be kept free from clutter and never use them to store flammable materials such as paint.
If the worst does happen…….
Try to stay calm but leave the building as quickly as possible – remember your fire evacuation plan
Don’t waste time collecting your belongings – it could cost you your life
Only tackle the fire yourself if you are confident it can be put out safely
Never use water to put out electrical or chip pan fires
If the door to a room where there is a fire is hot or scorched – DO NOT open it
Try to keep low down where there is less smoke