Home Safety Advice

The Fire Service are asking residents to keep in mind the following points in order to make sure your home is safe all year round.

Smoke Alarms

You are 6 times more likely to die in a fire if you do not have a smoke alarm.

• Having a smoke alarm fitted and working is the only sure way to know when a fire
occurs - especially when everyone is asleep.
• Alarms should be properly maintained:
• Test the alarms weekly
• Replace the battery every year unless a 10 year battery is fitted.
• At least one alarm should be fitted to the ceiling on each floor level.

Smoke alarms will not prevent a fire or guarantee your safety. Normal fire precautions
must be taken. 10 year Smoke Alarms can be supplied and fitted for FREE to Merseyside residents. Simply call the freephone number below to book a convenient appointment.

Children and Fires

Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service offer a scheme called F.A.C.E. which deals with
children and youths who play with fire. For enquiries about the scheme ring the freephone
number or contact your local community fire station.

Smoking Materials

Smoking materials are responsible for 10% of fires in the home.

• Ashtrays should always be utilised.
• Ensure that the contents are cold before being emptied into a metal waste bin.
• Never smoke in bed.

Portable Heaters

Care must be taken not to place portable heaters too near to furniture or curtains.

Electrical

• Replace worn or damaged leads.
• A qualified electrician should replace sockets when they become worn or
scorched.
• Never run wires under carpets or rugs.
• Have electrical blankets tested annually.
• Do not overload electric sockets. One plug, one socket.
• Make sure plugs have the correct fuse.

Cooking

Many people die each year as a result of fires by unsafe cooking. Chip pans must never be more than one third full!

If any pan containing hot oil catches fire:
• Don’t take any risks.
• Don’t tackle the fire.
• Only if it is safe to do so, turn the heat off.
• Raise the alarm.
• Evacuate the property.
• Call the Fire & Rescue Service.

Do not leave cooking unattended, but if you must, keep a timer with you.
Cooking under the influence of alcohol is extremly dangerous.

NEVER PUT WATER ONTO AN OIL FIRE!

Open Fires

• A fire guard should be placed around all open fires.
• Do not dry clothes too close to an open fire.
• Exercise extreme caution when using a mirror placed about a fireplace.

Rubbish and Waste

• Refuse bins provide a convenient fuel source to someone intent on causing damage by fire.
• Keep your bins in a secure area, and only put out on the day of collection.
• Keep bins away from windows and doors.
• If you require assistance or guidance to reduce the risk of arson you can contact the arson taskforce at: www.merseyfire.gov.uk

Night Time Check

• Empty ashtrays.
• Close all doors.
• Switch off and unplug electrical appliances.
• Make sure a key is readily available for each external door.
• Never smoke in bed

For more information:

Freephone* (ref 130) - 0800 731 5958

www.merseyfire.gov.uk/hsa

*Calls from non-BT phone lines may be charged, check with your service provider for charges.
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