Fire safety advice
Below is a really clear and impartial guide to fire safety that has been produced by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Cut the risk of fire in your home
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking, especially if you’re cooking with fat.
- Never leave children unattended while they are preparing meals.
- Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order to prevent them triggering a fire.
- Use plugs safely – too many in one socket can start a fire.
- Always use the charger that came with your phone or tablet. If you need to buy a replacement, choose a branded, genuine product.
- Don’t leave items continuously on charge, particularly overnight.
- When you finish a cigarette, make sure you put it right out – take special care when putting out cigarettes on balconies – just because you are outside, it doesn’t mean a fire can’t start.
- Put candles in a holder and keep them away from things that may burn – never leave them burning when you’re not in the room.
- A lot of fires start at night – do some checks before you go to bed.
Further help and advice
Staffordshire
Visit www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk or call 0800 0241 999 to get advice on:
• Fire safety in your home
• Preventing common fires
• Making a fire escape plan
• Electrical safety
Safe and well visit
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service also offers safe and well visits. During the visit, the community advice team offers tailored advice and guidance for residents across Staffordshire, to help keep you and your family safe.
To book your free safe and well visit please call 0800 0241 999 (lines are open from 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday).
Shropshire
Visit www.shropshirefire.gov.uk or call 01743 260200 to get advice on:
• Fire safety in your home
• Preventing common fires
• Making a fire escape plan
• Electrical safety
Home fire safety visit
Shropshire Fire and Rescue service also offers a home fire safety visit. During the visit, they will make you aware of any potential hazards within your home and appropriate actions that you can take.
To book your free home fire safety visit please call 01743 260260.
Smoke alarms
Who tests communal smoke alarms?
Where there are smoke detectors in communal areas, Homes Plus performs regular tests and inspections.
Who tests household smoke alarms?
Household smoke alarms are checked annually as part of our gas servicing and safety check. We also test these as part of our electrical safety testing, which occurs once every five years.
How do I test my smoke alarm?
Generally, smoke alarms can be tested by pressing the button and waiting for the alarm to sound, but please refer to your manufacturer’s instructions. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service recommend that you test your smoke alarm weekly.