The National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) Home Safety Week runs from 30th September to the 6th October 2019.
The campaign is encouraging households to check smoke alarms are right for their homes needs and will provide them with an early warning in the event of a fire. Most homes have smoke alarms installed (95%) but in nearly 20% of accidental house fires in the UK alarm failed to activate. The most common reasons were the smoke failed to reach the detector was because batteries were either missing or defective.
NFCC guidelines for superior fire safety at homes
- Replace alarms every ten years- even if they appear to work when tested
- Fit additional alarms in the rooms used most
- Install interlinked alarms, so when one activates they all do
- Purchased sealed unit alarms so batteries cannot be removed or tampered with
NFCC want people to think beyond installing a smoke alarm on the landing and in the hallway"
James Bywater, NFCC Lead for Home Detection commented, " NFCC want people to think beyond installing a smoke alarm on the landing and in the hallway and think about the risks in their own home to ensure they have the right detection in the right places.
Home detection technology
He adds, “This might mean installing more alarms in homes, particularly in the rooms used most. Home detection technology has advanced and products with sealed batteries or interlinked systems are available and as part of the home safety plan so as to give residents precious minutes to escape in case a fire starts."
As part of the week, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (NYFRS) are also asking people to register their white goods and take care with electrical items.
Enhanced home safety tips
- Keep eyes peeled for signs of dangerous or loose wiring such as scorch marks, hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow or circuit breakers that trip.
- Appliances use different amounts of power so check the amps on the plug and make sure you don’t go over 13 amps in a wall socket.
- Keep portable heaters clear of curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.
- Register larger electrical appliances for vital information on safety repairs or recalls.Clean ovens and grill pans so there isn’t a build-up of fat.
- Clear out the fluff/lint tray on the tumble dryer after every use.
- Check and clean filters on washing machines.
- Clean the rear of fridges and freezers while ensuring the drainage hole is clear.
- Never leave tumble dryers or washing machines on when stepping out of the house.
- Think about bedtime routine; turn off or unplug appliances that don’t need to be left on overnight, ensure to shut doors as this can stop fire from spreading and keep keys for doors and windows in an easily accessible place.
- Be careful with laptops, don’t leave them charging on beds or sofas.
- Plan an escape route in case a fire does break out in your home.
