Fire safety is key during adult learners week
“You’ re never too old to learn” is the message from Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue service at the commencement of Adult Learning Week, which is sponsored by the Department of Education and Skills, European Social Fund and Learn Direct.
Losing no opportunity to try and make a safer community in Warwickshire, Area Risk Manager, Simon Ellershaw said: “There are many forms of learning. Unfortunately, when it comes to some safety lessons, many of us only learn from our mistakes. For us, the big problem with that process is fire can be devastating in terms of the large loss of property and valuables and the many injuries and deaths that occur each year in the United Kingdom. It really is and literally can be too late to learn after a fire.”
Simon Ellershaw continued: “We support Adult Learning Week because the whole thrust is that you’re never too old to learn. Fires are so easily preventable and behaviour, if caught in a fire, is a vital part of maximising your chances of survival. Following some simple rules will minimise the risk to yourself and your families.
If you don’t have a smoke alarm please purchase one – they are inexpensive, and are generally available for around £5. For longer term protection and peace of mind we would recommend 10-year alarms.
Once you have purchased a smoke alarm make sure you maintain it. Change the battery once a year and open it and remove any dust with a vacuum cleaner. Test it once a week by pressing the button.
Try and remember to have a last minute safety check at night before going to bed. Make sure that appliances are switched off, ashtrays should be emptied into metal containers and preferably left outside and close all doors.
Please don’t smoke especially if you are alone and have consumed alcohol.
If you use a hot fat fryer/chip pan watch out for interruptions - the phone call or caller at the door can make you forget a pan is on the cooker, which can result in a devastating fire.
If you are studying at home, make sure that you don’t overload your sockets
In closing Simon Ellershaw said: “We know that education can have a positive impact in preventing fires. Adult Learning Week aims to highlight that it ‘s never too late. Unfortunately our experience following tragedies proves that it can be.”