Fire safety at home

Statistically, older people are more at risk of a home fire. This risk increases without a working smoke alarm. As we age, we are more likely to live alone, we may have reduced mobility or sense of smell, and a reduced ability to tolerate smoke inhalation or burns. We want you to be safe, sleep soundly and reduce the risk of home accidents. Other lifestyle choices can also increase the risk of reactions in a fire: clutter, hoarding, smoking, alcohol, drugs or medications, for example.

Home fire safety advice:

• Fit smoke alarms in your home, not in your kitchen, but at least one per floor.

• Protect yourself and reduce the risk of fire by not leaving cooking unattended.

• Keep doors closed at night. A door will slow the spread of smoke and fire, giving more time to escape or get help.

• Take care with any smoking materials and don’t smoke in bed or when tired.

• Use electric blankets correctly and have them checked regularly.

• Don’t dry clothes on heaters or fireguards.

• Make an escape plan. Think about how you would escape the house, and ensure this pathway remains clear and exit doors open easily.

• Be safe with electrical appliances; ensure the right chargers are used and plug sockets are not overloaded.

• Switch off and avoid using electrical appliances through the night, particularly tumble dryers.

• Fit a fireguard to open fires, ensure chimneys are swept regularly and take care with candles and naked flames, particularly with young children.

Norfolk County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) has a Community Fire Safety Team and volunteers who help older or vulnerable people remain independent and safe in their own homes by offering free home fire safety visits.

What is a home fire risk check?

A local fire crew, community team member or an approved partner will visit your home and carry out a home safety check (lasting 30-40 minutes) at a time convenient to you. They will not offer to sell you anything, and there is no charge for this service. They will offer fire safety advice, discussing actions you can take to reduce your fire risk, how to make an escape plan and (if not fitted) install a smoke alarm(s).

On arrival, personnel will be in Fire Service uniform and carry ID that will be shown to you. Please visit our website to request a visit or contact the team. To make a fire action plan, visit the home safety page using the below link.

Web: www.norfolk.gov.uk/fire Tel: 0800 9178137 Email: home.safety@fire.norfolk.gov.uk Textphone: 07799 840800 Fax: 01603 812261

Smoke alarms

We know that fires in the home can be prevented by taking more care with fire safety. A vital part of home fire safety is fitting and maintaining a smoke alarm. You are more than twice as likely to die in a fire at home if you don’t have one fitted.

Once fitted, test it weekly. Most modern smoke alarms will last 10 years before needing to be changed but some will require an annual battery change. Try to prevent a build-up of dust by wiping or vacuuming the casing.

Remember, NFRS will supply and fit a smoke alarm as part of a home fire safety visit where appropriate or offer advice if you already have them.

NFRS says – buy it, fit it and test it – ensure you know what to do if it goes off.

To keep all your loved ones safe, get out, stay out and call: 999.