Fire Safety in Winter

DB Fire Safety is disappointed to have to report that the number of house fires increases dramatically during the winter months but by following 12 simple rules you will keep your family safe during winter.

1. When was the last time you had your boiler serviced? Never skimp on this and always hire a professional. It’s well worth the money to have your boiler serviced once a year.
2. Wood burning stoves are a very popular choice. It should be noted that the chimney should be cleaned at the end of each heating season and should be inspected regularly.
3. If you light fires frequently, then you will need to have your chimney swept once a year. Chimney fires occur when soot or creosote deposits in the chimney catch fire.  A wise precaution is to burn wood that’s dry and seasoned so that it produces more flame and less smoke.
4. Ensure you have smoke alarms fitted and test them at least monthly.
5. Cover your fireplace with a fire-guard to prevent sparks from leaving the fireplace.
6. Make sure that your children and pets sit at least three feet away from the fireplace.
7. Beware of lit candles. Candles can set the mood for relaxation but can easily be knocked over by children and pets. Always remember to extinguish candles when you leave the room.
8. If you’re going to smoke, try to do it outside and certainly don’t smoke in bed – you wouldn’t want you to fall asleep with a little cigarette in your hand.
9. Do you know how to put out a kitchen fire? Using water will not help when trying to extinguish a grease or fat fire. If you don’t have a Fire Blanket, you should use a damp tea towel (make sure it isn’t dripping wet). Also keep lids handy to put on top of pots and pans.
10. Just like business fire drills, families should also have an emergency escape route and plan in place. Teach your family how to crawl to the nearest from every room and also show them how to roll in the event of their clothes catching fire.
11. Fire extinguishers can be life-savers. It makes sense to store one under the kitchen sink and one in your hall. Make sure you use the correct setting: A for paper, wood and rubbish; B for grease and flammable liquids; C for small electrical fires.
12. Portable space heaters:
    1. Just like fireplaces, people and pets should not be allowed to sit any closer than three feet.
    2. Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
    3. Only use a portable space heater which comes with an automatic shut off which means that if they are tipped over or reach excessively high temperatures, it will automatically shut off.
    4. Only plug directly into a power socket – never into an extension lead.
    5. Never place a space heater in close proximity to curtains, tablecloths, etc.
13. All household members should know how to dial 999.   In the event of a fire, every person in the home can be a potential hero if they know what to do.

Please feel free to contact Peterborough based DB Fire Safety for more information.