There were over 45,000 fires reported in buildings in the UK in 2017/18 and a 27% increase from the previous year in fire-related fatalities. We all want to see a huge reduction in both of these figures. So what are the best ways to prevent fires in the first place?
1. Fit a smoke alarm
Every building should be fitted with smoke alarms and they need to be regularly checked. There’s no point ticking a box to say your building has one if it doesn’t actually work. Replace batteries every year. And if your toaster makes yours go off, don’t get annoyed and bash it until it stops, take it as a sign it’s working.
2. Mind your electricals
Many fires start through electrical faults and having overloaded sockets doesn’t help. Stick to one plug per socket. And keep a check on old appliances and cables too as cables can become damaged over time and with long-term use.
Another common cause of building fires is unattended cigarettes – more people die in fires caused by smoking than anything else. Make doubly sure all cigarettes are well and truly stubbed out, don’t leave them unattended in an ashtray, don’t smoke in bed and keep all matches and lighters away from naturally inquisitive children.
4. Keep an eye on the kitchen.
Kitchen areas are filled with electrical appliances intended to heat up. Consider hot oil, hobs with heated rings, wire flexes and pan handles dangling. Be vigilant and careful when using any electrical appliance and be sure to know what to do in the event of a kitchen or electrical fire. Always have a fire blanket fitted and be extra aware when the very young or elderly are around.
5. Get a Fire Brigade check
If you are in any doubt as to the safety of your home or building, ask for a visit from the local Fire Brigade who will check for potential hazards and give advice on fire prevention. You could be saving them a job in the long run.
TM Services offer the perfect solution to prevent fire spreading and damaging your home or property and harming your family or colleagues. Our water mist fire system is a discreet and unobtrusive method of fire extinguisher – it works by suppressing the fire and stopping its rapid spread, enabling a quick and safe escape, the most important factor in any fire. Take a look around our site or call us on 020 8699 8113 for more information about PUCK Fire, our high pressure water mist system. It could prevent someone you know becoming another tragic fire statistic.