Essex supports national #FireKills campaign
“It only takes one accident to start a fire.”
That’s the message Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is promoting following the launch of a national #FireKills campaign from the National Fire Chiefs Council and the Home Office.
It is urging Essex residents to be aware of known fire risks including candles and leaving cooking unattended using visuals demonstrating that it only takes one accident to start a fire.
Will Newman, Head of Prevention at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: “People are still unaware of just how easily fires in the home can start. We have put together a top 10 list of things you can do to keep you, your loved ones and your property safe from harm. The best way to stay safe from fire is to understand common risks of fire and how to reduce them in your home.”
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s Top 10 Home Safety Tips:
- Make sure you have smoke alarms on every floor of your home
- Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they are working. Please test smoke alarms regularly.
- Take extra care in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended
- Avoid using a chip pan or any other pan filled with hot oil
- Don’t overload electric sockets– most can only take a maximum of 13 amps
- Keep matches and lighters away from children
- Keep clothes well away from heaters and open fires
- Put out cigarettes properly and dispose of them carefully
- Don’t charge things like mobile phones, tablets or e-cigs overnight, or longer than the recommended charging time
- Plan an escape route and make sure everyone in the house knows how to get out in the event of a fire
`More advice is available at https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/Home_Fire_Safety/Home_Safety_Advice/
Residents can book a Home Safety Visit at: https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/Home_Fire_Safety/Home_Safety_Advice/Smoke_Alarms/
