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.
Prevention is the key to reducing the tragedies and hardships caused by fire.
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
- More than 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 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