House Fires: What You Need to Know and How to Prepare
Sep 11 2023 11:53AM
House fires are one of the most devastating events that can happen to anyone. They can cause injuries, deaths, and property damage. According to the latest statistics from the Home Office, there were 33,180dwelling fires in the UK in 2020/21, resulting in 311fire-related deaths.
What are the main causes of house fires?
- Cooking appliances: 11,078 fires (46% of all accidental house fires)
- Electrical wiring: 2,962 fires (12%)
- Domestic appliances: 2,152 fires (9%)
- Smoking-related materials: 2,115 fires (9%)
- Matches and candles: 1,032 fires (4%)
- Space heaters: 784 fires (3%)
- Electric lighting: 438 fires (2%)
- Central and water heating appliances: 217 fires (1%)
- Blowlamps, welding and cutting equipment: 153 fires (1%)
- Office equipment: 20 fires (<1%)
As you can see, cooking appliances are the leading cause of house fires, accounting for almost half of all accidental house fires and about 10% of fire-related deaths. Common sources of ignition include cookers, ovens, rings, hot plates, grills, toasters, microwaves, deep fat fryers, and chip pans. Electrical wiring refers to faults or misuse of wiring, cabling, plugs, sockets, and adaptors. Domestic appliances include washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, vacuum cleaners, irons, hairdryers, and electric blankets. Smoking-related materials include cigarettes, cigars, pipes, ashtrays, lighters, and matches. Matches and candles also include incense sticks and oil burners.
How can you prevent house fires in your home?
The best way to prevent house fires is to be aware of the potential hazards and take precautions to avoid them. Here are some general tips on how to prevent house fires in your home:
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them regularly. Smoke alarms can alert you to a fire before it gets out of control and give you time to escape. According to the Home Office, you are more than twice as likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a working smoke alarm.
- Keep firefighting appliances such as fire extinguisher, fire safety stick ,and a fire blanket in your kitchen and know how to use them. A fire extinguisher can help you put out small fires before they spread. A fire blanket can smother flames or wrap around a person who is on fire. Never use water on an oil or electrical fire as it can make it worse.
- Never leave cooking unattended or leave children or pets alone in the kitchen. Turn off or unplug appliances when not in use. Keep flammable items such as tea towels, oven gloves, paper towels, and curtains away from heat sources. Avoid overloading sockets or using damaged or faulty electrical equipment. Reduce the use of chip pans or deep fat fryers as they can easily catch fire.
- Don’t smoke indoors or in bed. Dispose of cigarette butts and ashtrays carefully and make sure they are completely extinguished. Use metal or ceramic ashtrays that won’t burn or tip over. Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
- Be careful with candles and other naked flames. Place them on a stable surface away from curtains, furniture, carpets, bedding, and other flammable materials. Don’t leave them unattended or near drafts. Extinguish them before you go to bed or leave the room.
- Keep heaters and fireplaces well maintained and clean. Don’t place them too close to furniture, curtains, carpets, bedding, or other flammable materials. Don’t dry clothes on heaters or fireplaces. Use a fireguard or screen to prevent sparks from flying out.
? - Plan an escape route in case of a fire and practice it with your family. Make sure everyone knows how to get out safely and where to meet outside. Keep exits clear of obstructions and close doors behind you to slow down the spread of fire and smoke. If you are trapped by fire, stay low and cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth. Call 999 and wait for help.
House fires are a serious threat to life and property, but they can be prevented by following some simple safety tips. By being aware of the common causes of house fires and taking precautions to avoid them, you can reduce the risk of fire in your home and protect yourself and your loved ones. Remember, prevention is better than cure. Stay safe and fire aware.