safety in your home.
For information about safety advice from the Essex Fire Service then Click Here
For home domestic product recalls regarding safety click here
Safety in your home
There are a number of things to consider when it comes to living safely at home.
Carbon monoxide:
Carbon monoxide poisoning is one thing that is very important to consider. Carbon monoxide is invisible and has no smell, and is very dangerous in concentration. A working and properly positioned Carbon monoxide detector alarm will be a very cost effective way to keep safe from Carbon monoxide.
Get your Gas burning appliances serviced properly by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer every year.
If you have a wood or solid fuel burner, this too can be a high risk and it is very important to get theses serviced regularly. Never cover air vents that have been installed to provide the combustion air for the burner or stove.
If you smell gas then report it and don't ignore it. phone 0800 111 999
Electrical safety:
make sire electrical devices, extensions, plugs and sockets do not get wet or damp.
make sure chargers are free from obstruction and properly plugged in when in use and switched off when they are not in use. make sure leads and cables are not damaged or frayed and the cable is securely clamped at the plug.
Key meter users.
If you have a gas or electric meter and the credit runs out, make sure that you switch off electrical things like heaters, hair dryers, irons, and other electrical things that get hot in use. its important that these are not left switched on while the power is off, so that they don't become an unattended fire hazard when the power is restored.
Also for Gas cookers, if the gas goes off, make sure all the gas taps are turned off so that there is not escape of un burned gas when the gas supply is restored.
there is much more useful information on the website: www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/housing-options/home-safety/
Summer Fire safety
Stay safe as you head out to enjoy the outdoors this summer. That is the message from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
Throughout summer the Service sees an increase in the number of outdoor fires as people head out for a barbeque in their gardens, to enjoy the countryside or to take a camping or caravanning trip.
Divisional Officer Neil Fenwick said: “As we head out to enjoy the weather outdoors then we have to make sure that we all pay a little bit of extra attention to make sure that we stay safe from the risks posed by fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.”
When having Barbeques ensure that you:
• Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbeques. Never use a barbeque indoors.
• Never leave a barbeque unattended.
• Make sure your barbeque is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste.
• Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbeque, but not more (normally around 5cms or 2 inches).
• Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area.
• After cooking, make sure the barbeque is cool before moving it.
• Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they’re hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire.
• Enjoy yourself, but don’t drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbeque.
• Store gas cylinders outside, away from direct sunlight and frost.
• Take care when turning bottled gas barbeques on and off.
• Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder.
• After cooking, turn the gas supply off first and then the barbeque control. This will stop any gas from leaking.
• If you suspect a leak, turn off the gas cylinder and try brushing soapy water around all joints, watching for bubbles.
• Make sure all joints are tightened, safe and secure.
• Change gas cylinders outdoors or in a well ventilated area.
Camping and Caravan:
• Fit and regularly test a smoke alarm in your caravan.
• To avoid a build up of poisonous gases make sure the caravan is ventilated, and never block air vents.
• Never use candles in or near a tent – torches are safer.
• Don’t smoke inside tents.
• Never bring a barbeque inside a tent or caravan. They create deadly carbon monoxide gas which will soon fill an enclosed space suffocating all sleeping inside.
Countryside Safety:
• Avoid open fires in the countryside. Always have them in safe, designated areas.
• Put out cigarettes and other smoking materials properly before you leave your vehicle.
• Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodlands. Sunlight shining through glass can start a fire. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin.
• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately.
• Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as soon as possible.
• Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows – they could start a fire and endanger lives.
Take our Outdoor Fire Safety Survey to find out how much you know about staying fire safe in the outdoors this summer.