Fire Safety

Ensuring fire safety in your home is very important, not only for preventing fires but also for reducing the risk of falls.

Here are some key considerations and tips to keep both you and your home safe:

Smoke alarms: Do you have working smoke alarms in the correct places in your home? Smoke alarms are vital for early detection of fires. Ensure you have them installed on every floor of your home, especially in hallways and near bedrooms. Test them regularly to make sure they are in good working condition.
Fire home safety check: Consider a safety check from your local fire brigade. Many fire departments offer this service. During a home safety check, experts will provide valuable safety advice, make recommendations, and even install and test smoke, carbon monoxide or heat~ alarms if needed. The team can also advise specialist alarms and equipment for users with sensory loss.
Clear escape routes: To reduce the risk of falls during an emergency, make sure your escape routes are clear. Keep hallways and staircases free from clutter and obstacles. In the event of a fire, you'll need a safe and clear path to exit your home quickly.
Fire prevention: Take measures to prevent fires in your home. Avoid overloading electrical sockets, keep flammable materials, such as curtains or paper away from heat sources, and be cautious with cooking appliances.
Cooking: minimise cooking related hazards by never leaving stove tops, microwaves or toasters unattended.

Consider a free home fire safety check from the local fire service. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service will visit your home, provide safety advice, install smoke, carbon monoxide and heat detectors where necessary and help you create an escape plan.  For more information and to request your free visit go to www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safe-and-well-visits or telephone 0800 038 2323