In the upcoming months many will begin preparations for events like Halloween, Bonfire Night, and the festive season. Be sure our top safety tips are part of your planning, so you and your loved ones have a safe and enjoyable time.
Candles, flying lanterns, decorations and decorative lights are a growing cause of fires. It is important to keep safety in mind whenever you use them in and around your home.
By following the guidelines below, you can help keep your home safe from fire.
Prevent
- Check your fairy lights are in good working order and replace any bulbs that have blown. Always unplug your lights when you leave the house or when you sleep
- Where possible use a surge protection extension cable and only have one item per plug socket to avoid overloading
- Make sure cables are long enough to reach, as connecting more than one extension lead together can overload the socket and cause an electrical fault
- Keep candles away from anything that could catch fire such as Christmas trees, curtains, cards, ribbons or decorations
- Never leave a burning candle unattended and put them out completely before you leave the room or when you sleep. Take extra care to keep candles out of reach small children or pets
- If using fireworks always following instructions carefully and never go back to a lit firework, even if it has not gone off as it could still explode
- Avoid wearing fancy dress costumes or flowing materials/clothing when cooking or when near a naked flame or heat source. They can very easily catch fire
Plan
- Plan your escape route in case of a fire. The best escape route is your usual way in and out of your home. Choose a second escape route in case the first one is blocked
- Practice your escape plan with everyone in your household
- If you have guests staying share your escape plan with them
- Make sure everyone staying knows where the door keys are kept
- Keep your escape routes clear
- Keep a charged mobile phone with you in case of emergency
HFRS Position Statement - Fireworks
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service do not condone the use of fireworks at home. We actively encourage the public to attend an organised bonfire or firework display.
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service does not have any involvement or hold any responsibility for the disposal of, damaged, unwanted or unused fireworks.
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service are committed to making the local community safer utilising the skills, knowledge, information and experience of its employees and relevant partner organisations.
Most injuries throughout the bonfire period occur as a result of people building their own bonfires and setting off their own fireworks.
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service will:
• Educate people around the dangers of fireworks.
• Ensure safety standards and licences are adhered to at organised events, offering advice and guidance to organisers.
• Work with local councils to enforce where occupiers are breaching the Environmental Protection Act.
• Proactively work with the police and other partners around the bonfire period to try to reduce callouts, serious incidents and arson.
• Work with partners such as the Police and Trading Standards to ensure only fireworks that meet the correct standards are available to buy.