Find Out About Fire Safety

Over 80% of all casualties occur as a result of fires in the home. The majority of these fires are accidental and could have been prevented by following a few simple measures which help to reduce the risks.

Our aim is to help you protect your home from fire and explain the importance of fire safety. To prepare you for an emergency by explaining what happens when you dial 999, and give advice on how to escape from a fire in your home.

Prevention is the key to reducing the tragedies and hardships caused by fire. Stopping fires from starting requires the community and the fire service to work together to deliver safer communities.

Safety at Home

It’s important that fire risks are minimised in your home, and that you reduce or eliminate any hazards that might cause a fire in your home.

Did you know…?

• You’re twice as likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a smoke alarm that works.

• 90 people die each year because the battery in their smoke alarm was flat or missing.

• Over half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents.

• More than five fires a day are started by candles.

• Every three days someone dies from a fire caused by a cigarette.

• Faulty electrics (appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets) cause around 7,000 house fires across the country every year.

West Midlands Arson Task Force

The West Midlands Arson Task Force is a partnership between the West Midlands Fire Service & West Midlands Police. The Task Force operates by carrying out detailed arson investigations and analysis in the region. It agrees with policies and undertakes projects with the partners aiming to improve detection and reduce arson throughout the West Midlands.

West Midlands Fire Service

The West Midlands Fire Service website provides safety advice for businesses ranging from fire safety legislation to Commercial Training, Licensing and Asbestos Removal.

Fire Safety Advice for Businesses and Commerce

• Make sure your fire alarm is tested weekly.
• Inform your staff of what to do in the event of a fire, make sure they are familiar with the evacuation drill and escape routes for the building.
• Make sure you carry out a continuous Fire Risk assessment of your building.
• Never obstruct sprinkler heads and fire detectors.
• Unsafe storage of waste packaging and pallets is a fire risk, never leave waste containers close to buildings.
• Guard all sources of ignition.
• Ensure that Flammable Liquids are stored safely.
• Make sure that machinery and equipment is maintained.

Explosives and Fireworks Registration and Licence

Fireworks and Bonfire Safety

Electric Blanket Fire Safety

The Arson Prevention Bureau

West Midlands Fire Service