As the cost of living soars across the UK, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is urging people to take fire safety precautions in the home to stay safe.
The advice comes ahead of NFCC’s national Home Fire Safety Week taking place between June 13th and 19th which aims to keep people safer from fire in their homes.
Cause of fires
NFCC is concerned that people may put themselves at additional risk as to the cost of living increases and remind people to buy, charge and run electrical products and white goods safely and ensure they keep warm safely.
It is estimated one in four UK households is in fuel poverty and it is reported that the current cost of living issues could push more households into fuel poverty, leading to more fire risks.
Reducing fire risks
People are encouraged to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms fitted
By taking a few simple steps, people can reduce their risk of fire in the home. NFCC is also urging people not to take additional risks and be alert to how simple measures could save lives and reduce injuries.
People are encouraged to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms fitted. As many people look to reduce heating bills, fire services want to ensure people are keeping warm safely. Products such as portable heaters and electric blankets must be in good working order, not subject to any recalls, and used correctly.
Electrical products
People are being urged to buy electrical products from reputable retailers to always sign up for national product safety alerts and recalls, and always to register appliances. There is often a misconception, which has recently been exacerbated by social media that it is cheaper to use electricity during off-peak nighttime hours.
This may lead people to try and save money by running white goods such as tumble dryers and washing machines whilst they are asleep, which means if a fire should start it might go undetected for longer allowing occupants less time to respond quickly and safely. For most households, this is simply not the case unless like the minority of homes you are on an off-peak or time of use tariff.
Smoking
In 2020/21, smoking materials caused only 8% of fires yet resulted in 32% of accidental dwelling fire fatalities
Smoking in the home still results in more deaths than any other type of fire in the UK. In 2020/21, smoking materials caused only 8% of fires yet resulted in 32% of accidental dwelling fire fatalities in England.
NFCC is also concerned that smokers may be tempted to buy Illegal tobacco products as the cost-of-living increases. Fake and counterfeit cigarette products can present a greater fire risk as they continue to burn when left unattended, Legal cigarettes self-extinguish if not actively smoked, reducing the risk of fire.
Person-centered approach
The most recent fire statistics for England, which cover the 1st January –to 31st December 2021, show 181 people lost their lives in accidental dwelling fires, an increase of 18 percent from the previous year.
2022’s campaign will also highlight how fire and rescue services use an approach that puts people at the heart of their work to reduce fires in the home. This ‘person-centered approach’ underpins NFCC’s online home fire safety check tool.
online home safety tool
By using the online home safety tool, people can explore whether they or their neighbors could be at greater risk
By using the online home safety tool, people can explore whether they along with loved ones or neighbors could be at greater risk from fire.
Older relatives and neighbors could be vulnerable and at a higher risk in the home and would benefit from a ‘safe and well’ visit from their fire and rescue service. These can unlock vital safety help, advice, and solutions while offering help from a range of organizations.
Advice to stay safe
Chair of NFCC’s Home Safety Committee, Rick Hylton said, “As the cost of living increases across the entire UK, we are offering help and advice to help people stay safer in their homes. This ranges from simple steps such as smoke detection and checking electrical items to how fire services can assist more vulnerable people."
“While we understand the pressures people are currently facing and affordability is a major factor for many, I am hoping that by giving practical help and advice, we can raise awareness and offer useful assistance. Prevention work is at the heart of all fire and rescue services work, and we are here to help.”