Fire_Safety - Peter Bedford Housing Association

Safety with fire

Electricity is invaluable in modern society. It is a resource that we use more and more. But it is essential that we continue to treat it with respect. Remember that the majority of house fires are started by electrical faults and that electricity itself can kill.

What to do if there is a fire

What to do if you are trapped by fire

In the event of a fire emergency, remember: First priority is safety of the individual
Second priority is care of the building. If you are someone who may panic easily or be very nervous, the most important thing for you to do is to leave the building and cross to the other side of the road before phoning 999 for the fire brigade
However, if you have time and it is safe for you to do so, close doors and windows to contain the fire
On the way out, break alarm glass (nearest front door) and do whatever else you can to safely notify others in the building. The alarm glass is easily broken by using your shoe
Dial 999 for Fire Brigade and only then dial our emergency number. If you cannot phone yourself, ask someone (e.g. a neighbour) to do so for you
Only if the fire is small, can be easily located and put out and you feel very confident should you try to put it out

Close all doors and windows, to try and contain the fire. Reduce the draughts by blocking around doors with any fabric available
If there are smoke and fumes in the room, lean out of the window to breathe
Otherwise, stay low down on the floor, where the air is clearer
Attract attention from the window

How to prevent a fire

If you smoke, always use a deep, stable ashtray
Each night before going to bed, check that all cigarette ends and matches are extinguished. Check that no ash or ends have fallen down the sides of any easy chairs used by smokers
Do not drape clothes, tea towels or other flammable objects on or near fires
Close all doors, to prevent the rapid spread of fire if one does occur
Avoid storing flammable material in the house

What to do if clothing catches fire

Cover the person in thick material such as a rug, blanket or coat, to smother the flames. Try NOT to roll them over, as this will cause extra damage to any burnt tissue
If your clothes catch fire, lie on the floor on the burning area, to smother the flames, or smother them as described above
Basic first aid for burns:
- For minor burns and scalds: Minor burns are considered to be those where only the surface of a small area of skin is burnt. Cool the burn as soon as possible by putting under a running cold tap, or into cold water for at least 10 minutes. Cover the area with a clean, sterile dressing
- For severe burns and scalds: Lay the casualty down in a safe place. If possible cover the damaged tissue with a large sterile dressing, securing it with a non-adhesive bandage. Don't remove anything sticking to the burn or touch the area. Phone 999 for an ambulance immediately

Simple fire precautions

Ensure you know the different escape routes if there is a fire in the house. Plan these now; don't wait for a real fire, when people may feel panicky. When doors and windows are locked from the inside with a key, always leave the key in the same accessible place at night, so it can be found in the dark. Don't leave it in the lock, as this is too accessible for the burglar! Tie something onto the key, such as a piece of wood, then if it is dropped in the dark, you will be able to feel it more easily.

Smoke alarms

Fires

Electric points

Cigarettes and Smoking

Cookers

Chip Pans

Our advice is that chip pans should not be used, as they are very dangerous. However if you insist on using one, please follow these guidelines.

Never fill a chip pan more than one-third full of oil (this is when the food is in it).
Never leave a chip pan unattended. If a chip pan does catch fire, leave it where it is, turn off the cooker, cover the pan with a damp towel or the pan lid, to smother the flames. Remember to keep your hands behind the towel or lid.
Never pour on water – this would only spread the oil.

Safety with fire

What to do if there is a fire

What to do if you are trapped by fire

In the event of a fire emergency, remember: First priority is safety of the individual

Second priority is care of the building. If you are someone who may panic easily or be very nervous, the most important thing for you to do is to leave the building and cross to the other side of the road before phoning 999 for the fire brigade

However, if you have time and it is safe for you to do so, close doors and windows to contain the fire

On the way out, break alarm glass (nearest front door) and do whatever else you can to safely notify others in the building. The alarm glass is easily broken by using your shoe

Dial 999 for Fire Brigade and only then dial our emergency number. If you cannot phone yourself, ask someone (e.g. a neighbour) to do so for you

Only if the fire is small, can be easily located and put out and you feel very confident should you try to put it out

Close all doors and windows, to try and contain the fire. Reduce the draughts by blocking around doors with any fabric available

If there are smoke and fumes in the room, lean out of the window to breathe

Otherwise, stay low down on the floor, where the air is clearer

Attract attention from the window

How to prevent a fire

If you smoke, always use a deep, stable ashtray

Each night before going to bed, check that all cigarette ends and matches are extinguished. Check that no ash or ends have fallen down the sides of any easy chairs used by smokers

Do not drape clothes, tea towels or other flammable objects on or near fires

Close all doors, to prevent the rapid spread of fire if one does occur

Avoid storing flammable material in the house

What to do if clothing catches fire

Cover the person in thick material such as a rug, blanket or coat, to smother the flames. Try NOT to roll them over, as this will cause extra damage to any burnt tissue

If your clothes catch fire, lie on the floor on the burning area, to smother the flames, or smother them as described above

Basic first aid for burns:

For minor burns and scalds: Minor burns are considered to be those where only the surface of a small area of skin is burnt. Cool the burn as soon as possible by putting under a running cold tap, or into cold water for at least 10 minutes. Cover the area with a clean, sterile dressing

For severe burns and scalds: Lay the casualty down in a safe place. If possible cover the damaged tissue with a large sterile dressing, securing it with a non-adhesive bandage. Don't remove anything sticking to the burn or touch the area. Phone 999 for an ambulance immediately

Simple fire precautions

Simple fire precautions

Smoke alarms

Fires

Electric points

Cigarettes and Smoking

Cookers

Chip Pans