Fire safety starts at home

Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire fire service have launched a home fire safety campaign offering advice on how to prevent, protect and prepare.

Stevenage is all too aware of the devastating effects a fire can have on people’s lives after the tragic incident at Harrow Court last year.

Every year in the UK there are more than 68,000 home fires, causing 400 deaths and 13,800 injuries.

There is a wealth of detailed fire safety information available from the fire service through national and local campaigns but we are promoting 10 ‘house rules’. These concentrate on key ways to prevent fire in your home, how to protect yourself and the need to prepare an escape plan for your family in the event of a fire.

1. Make a fire action plan so that everyone in your home knows how to escape in the event of a fire
2. Keep the exits from your home clear so that people can escape if there is a fire. Make sure that everyone in your home can easily find keys for doors and windows
3. Fit smoke alarms on each level of your home. Keep them free from dust and test them once a week. Consider buying a 10-year alarm; otherwise change the batteries in your alarm every year
4. Get into the habit of closing doors at night. If you want to keep a child's bedroom door open, close the doors to the lounge and kitchen, it may well help save their life if there is a fire
5. Take extra care in the kitchen - accidents while cooking account for over half of fires in homes
6. Never leave lit candles unattended or in rooms where children are on their own. Make sure candles are in secure holders on a surface that does not burn and are away from any materials that could burn
7. Keep matches and lighters where children cannot see or reach them
8. Make sure cigarettes are stubbed out properly, disposed of carefully and never smoke in bed
9. Don't overload electrical sockets
10. Don't leave the TV or other electrical appliances on standby as this could cause a fire. Always switch it off and unplug when not in use

Executive Councillor for Community Safety Bob Clark said “As a community leader we feel it is important to support the fire service in promoting this life-saving advice.”

Stevenage residents can ask a local fire fighter to come and help them put this advice into action. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue service are offering a free home fire safety check to help you:

• Assess the fire risks in your home
• Advise you on installing and maintaining smoke alarms
• Give you information on staying safe from fire and
• Help you make an escape plan for your household.

Roy Wilsher, Chief Fire Officer at the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said "I would encourage Stevenage residents to take advantage of the free home safety check. It won’t cost a penny and it could save your life."

All appointments will be pre-arranged with you, the fire fighters that call will always be in uniform, use an agreed password and show identification. For a free appointment Freephone 0800 587 3347.

-ends-

For press enquiries contact Joanna Roskilly, Corporate Communications on 01438 242300.

For further comment contact Executive Councillor for Community Safety Bob Clark on 01438 724038.

For political comment:

Labour Bruce Jackson 01438 350323

Liberal Democrat Robin Parker 01438 724746

Conservative Graham Clark 01438 360538