Fire Safety in your home
Removals in Blackpool
Removals in Blackpool
When moving House or Flat its Stupid not to take the opportunity to kit your new place out properly with all the common sense fire precautions. Your already spending a bob or two on moving your things and all the costs that go with it, you should plan this as part of your removal expenses. It's simply not worth finding out later on with this sort of thing, is it ? Hind sight has its place, but I'm afraid its useless with this.
Below is a few helpful fire-safety thoughts for your property:
- You can often get discounted or free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (gas) detectors via contacting your local fire station, and they will come and fit them as well, regardless of where you live.
- Everybody should have a multi-fuel type fire extinguisher in there bedroom and outside of but close to the kitchen.
- A water dispensing fire extinguisher is useful if you have time to turn the household electrics off first, you cant use it on or anywhere near anything electrical!
- If you live in a house share or rented flat or bedsit you will need to speak to your landlord to see if theu will be provind you with a fire extinguisher. You could always buy your own fire extinguisher, you will probably only have to buy these once in life so you might as well get it done!
- Don't forget to read up on the best fire extinguisher get and how to actually use it properly.
- You can buy ones that are able to extinguish a few different types of fire. These will be alot more use to you in case of a fire.
Fire safety is an incredibly important issue, particularly in the family home. In a house fire, it takes only 2-3 breaths of toxic fumes to render a person unconscious, and death quickly follows. There are approx 50,000 house fires in UK homes each year with over 80 deaths each year resulting from a lack of working smoke alarms.
Here are 10 steps to improve fire safety in the home when you move:
- 1.Fit a smoke alarm
Fit smoke alarms immediately in your home is the best thing you can do to help stop a tragedy. If the previous owners left theirs, then ensure it conforms to Relative British Standard, if not buy a new one. Having a spare smoke alarm just in case is the best thing to do.
- 2. Fit a Carbon Monoxide Dector
Always Check when your boiler and heating appliances were last serviced. Always consult someone professional if there is any doubt. Carbon monoxide detectors should comply with the Latest British Standards. Detectors are only warning devices and are not a substitute for regular appliance service. Approx 50 people a year die from carbon monoxide poisoning, due to badly installed and faulty heating appliances. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result from burning all fossil fuels, not only gas fires and boilers, so you'll have to have a detector even if you just have an open fire.
- 3. Invest in fire safty equipment now
The correct Fire extinguishers and correct Fire blankets should be used in your home. But it is Extremely Important you know exactly how to use each one because if they are used inappropriately they can cause serious injury and death. You can get advice from www.direct.gov.uk then look under support and safety in your home.
- 4. Store electrical items, Gas appliances and lighters safely on moving day
Make sure these are packed in clearly marked boxes and out of the reach of any kids. Disconnect any gas bottles and appliances before moving, heaters, camping equipment etc. Put plastic safety plugs in your sockets and install cupboard door locks at your new house as soon as possible if you ever have kids around. Keep electrical leads away from high traffic areas to avoid trip hazards and remember to unplug any electrical items at night unless they are designed to remain on, such as fridges and freezers.
- 5. Know and understand your building fire procedures
If you're moving into a block of flats, make sure you are aware of the fire procedures and that any communal fire fighting equipment has been regularly inspected. Investigate escape routes and make sure communal alarms are operating and that evacuation procedures are clear and well-signposted. Check your lease for details, and ask your solicitor for clarification if at all unsure.
- 6. Choose and escape Route
As a family, select an escape route and make sure everyone knows about it. This is the best way to leave the house if there is a fire: ensure the exit is clear at all times. If doors are double locked at any time everyone should be aware of where the keys are kept.
- 7. Designate a fire room
With help from a fire office choose a fire room where you and your family can wait for the fire brigade if you are prevented from escaping from a house fire. The room should be easily visible from the outside and have a connected telephone.
- 8. Check electrical and gas appliances
Check your actual plug socket limits and your light fittings limits when you get into your new home and don't overload them, which can lead to overheating and fire hazards. Inspect plugs to ensure the house move has not dislodged wiring. Faulty electrics (appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets) cause around 7,000 house fires across the country every year. All cooker and boiler installations should be carried out by approved by a Gas Safe Registered engineer for your safety, visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk for more details.
- 9. Check the Chimney
Open fires are great and it can be exciting to use one for the first time but they can be dangerous. Before lighting one indoors always ensure that the chimney has been swept. This includes chimneys being used as flues for gas fires, so if your in any doubt then ask a professional. Ask your solicitor for receipts from the seller to show a sweep has been carried out or arrange for one before the winter months come around.
- 10. Arrange a fire safety check
Many Fire and Rescue Services offer a fire safety risk assessment for free, an invaluable tool that could end up saving your life. When you need to do this - go to www.fireservice.co.uk to find your local fire service.
Keep your family safe
Contact Us
For further details on AndyVan's Services including House Clearances Blackpool, Rubbish Removal in Blackpool or to get a free Quote why not call us today. I will be happy to answer any questions and give you advice on your next move. For a faster response from me then please either call or text me on 07824833189. If you have any questions you want to email me, please click here and I will be sure to get back in touch with you.
I look forward to hearing from you, Andy