Key summer fire safety messages urged
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to be on their guard against the risk of fire from a growing source.
With the wet weather seemingly unrelenting, tumble driers are being used more and more with outdoor washing lines being out of the question. White goods such as tumble driers and washing machines are among the main causes of electrical fires in the house.
Unplugging these when going to bed or when leaving the house for a day trip or holiday can be a major help in reducing the numbers of house fires.
Another major step that residents can take is to keep doors closed when going to bed or leaving the house. Kevin Gardner, group manager for Warwickshire’s area risk teams, said: “As people leave their homes for day trips or weeks away in the coming weeks, we would urge them to make sure that they have unplugged as many electrical goods as possible, particularly tumble driers and washing machines. The electrical arcing to serve these is a major root of house fires.”
Residents can also take another very important step in safeguarding their homes against fire by preventing their spread in the event that they do start. Shutting doors around the house when going to bed or leaving the house can be critical in depriving a fire of the oxygen it needs to develop. Again, in warmer months, people are inclined to leave doors open to let air circulate but this can be potentially lethal in the event of a fire.
“It is vital that fires are contained,” says Kevin Gardner. “Before you go away, check smoke alarms are working so that, even if you are not around, neighbours will hear them and alert the fire service.
“If you are home and notice a fire in the house, containment can play a major role in limiting the damage. Keep doors shut so the fire cannot spread, get everybody out and call the fire service without delay.”
The top three causes of accidental dwelling fires in Warwickshire are cooking (26.3%), faults in appliances (14.5%) and chip pan cooking (10.5%).
To ask Warwickshire Fire and Rescue for a free home fire safety check, call 01926 466282.