Fire Safety and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

We all try to prevent fire starting in our home.

But it only takes an unguarded or careless moment for a fire to start. A couple of minutes later and your home could be filled with smoke

Smoke and fimes CAN KILL - particularly the highly poisonous smoke from furniture. You will only have a short time to get out. Use it wisely and try not to panic.

What to do if fire breaks out.

• If you can safely do so, close the door of  the room where the fire has started and close all other doors behind you. This will help delay the spread of the fire and smoke.
• Before opening a closed door, use the back of your hand to touch it. Don't open the door if the handle feels warm - the fire will be on the other side.
• Get everyone out as quickly as possible. Don't try to pick up valuables or possessions. Make your way out as safely and quickly as possible and try not to panic.
• Plan your escape route in advance! Don't wait for a fire to start.
• Telephone the Fire Brigade on 999 from a neighbours house, the nearest phone box or once outside the building, from your mobile if it is to hand. Clearly state the address of the fire.
• NEVER go back into your home until you are told it is safe to do so by a fire officer.

What to do if you are cut off by fire

• It isn't easy, but try to remain calm. Save your energy to help you survive.
• If you are prevented from getting out because of flames or smoke, close the door nearest to the fire and use towels, sheets or clothing to block and gaps around the door. This will stop smoke spreading into the room.
• Go to the window. If the room becomes smokey, go down to floor level - it is easier to breathe because the smoke will rise upwards.
• Open the window, try to attract the attention of others who can alert the fire brigade.
• If you are in immediate danger, drop cushions bedding etc to the ground, to break your fall from the window. Get out feet first and lower yourself to the full length of your arms before dropping.

Fire Extinguishers

All fire extinguishers should now conform to European Standards. All extinguishers should be red in colour, but will have the relevant coloured squares depending on the type of extinguisher.

• RED Red squares are water and are used for wood, papre and fabric
• BLACK Black squares are carbon monoxide and can be used for most types of fires including electrical.
• BLUE Blue squares are dry powder and can be used for liquids such as grease, fats, oil, paint and petrol. DO NOT use on chip or fat pan fires.
• GREEN Green squares are a vapourising liquid, best for liquids such as grease, paint, petrol and fats. DO NOT use on chip or fat pan fires.
• CREAM Cream squares (Aqueous film foaming) is a foam solution and can be used on most types of fire including oil and paint. DO NOT use on live electrical fires.