ATP Template with bundler

Fire Safety

Answer

There are various different types of smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are widely available and can cost as little as £5. The cost of a smoke alarm varies on the type of detection it uses.

Ionisation -

  • These types of smoke alarms detect free burning flames such as chip pan fires.
  • They detect the smoke before it gets thick.
  • Cost from under £5.
  • Availability - can be found in most supermarkets and DIY stores.

Optical -

  • These are more sensitive and will detect slow-burning fires.
  • Less likely to go off whilst you are cooking.
  • Cost from £15.
  • Availability - can be found in DIY and electrical stores.

Combined -

  • These detect both free burning flames and slow-burning fires.
  • Cost from £5.
  • Availability - can be found in DIY and electrical stores.

Whichever model of smoke alarm you choose, look out for one which has a British Standard Kitemark symbol which indicates that the detector is an approved model. 

British Standard Kitemark

Some fire services offer a home fire safety visit and provide free smoke alarms to the elderly and vulnerable, contact your local fire service for more details. 

Did you find this question useful?
Related Topics
Related Information
Answer

Below is very basic fire safety advice; more detailed advice can be found on the websites in 'Related information' at the right of this page:

  • Fit your house with smoke alarms.
  • Never leave candles burning unattended.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
  • Do not overload plug sockets.
  • Make sure all cigarettes are properly extinguished.
  • Unplug all electrical equipment at night.
  • Get your fire and boiler regularly checked.
  • Check all electrical equipment for signs of fraying wires.

Did you find this question useful?
Related Topics
Related Information
Answer

Below is basic guidance. For more detailed information see the website in related information. It is also advisable to have a fire escape plan. See the question in related information for more advice.

  • Make sure everyone in the house is aware of the fire.
  • Get out of the house as soon as possible.
  • Do not delay.
  • Call 999.
  • Do not go back into the house

Did you find this question useful?
Related Topics
Related Information
Answer

The Fire Service says it is vital to have an escape plan in case of a fire. Hopefully it will not happen to the majority of us but by spending a few minutes planning an escape route it could save your life and that of your family. More detailed advice on how to form an escape plan can be found in the website in related information.

  • Make sure your house has smoke alarms fitted.
  • Choose the easiest way out of the house.
  • Make sure that route is left unblocked at all times.
  • Make sure everyone is aware of the plan.
  • Make sure keys for doors can be easily found.
  • Have a second escape route in case the first is blocked.

Did you find this question useful?
Related Topics
Related Information
Answer

It is an offence to:

  • possess adult fireworks (all fireworks except category 1 fireworks - party poppers, sparklers, throwdowns etc.) in a public place by anyone under the age of 18;
  • possess category 4 fireworks (professional display fireworks) by anyone other than a fireworks professional;
  • it is illegal to supply adult fireworks to those under 18;
  • throw or cast or fire any firework in or into any highway, street, thoroughfare or public space (this would include throwing or firing from a private place into a public place, street, highway etc.);
  • to light any fire, or permit a fire to spread to, within 30 meters of a road which causes damage to the road or endangers road users.
  • to light a fire in a public place so as to endanger any other person or give them reasonable cause for alarm or annoyance or so as to endanger any property.

There is a curfew on the use of adult fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on:

  • Bonfire Night (when the curfew is between 12 midnight and 7am);
  • New Years Eve (when the curfew is between 1am and 7am);
  • Chinese New Year (when the curfew is between 1am and 7am);
  • Diwali Night (when the curfew is between 1am and 7am).

The penalties for using fireworks outside the above curfew hours are imprisonment (maximum 6 months) and a substantial fine. Please note, you could also commit offences if they were being used to cause a nuisance.

Did you find this question useful?
Related Topics
Answer

Many councils in Scotland have banned the use of Chinese lanterns on council owned/controlled land and we advise that you check the position of your local authority. You can find your local authority by entering your postcode into the link below:

Find your local council in Scotland

Sky lanterns can be a fire hazard with the potential to cause serious injury as well as damage to property. They can also harm wildlife, livestock and other animals. 

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Services does not advocate the use of sky lanterns and state such items "pose a significant threat of fire and can have devastating consequences".

Please see the websites in related links for more information.

Did you find this question useful?
Related Topics
Related Information