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10. Important fire safety information
How to prevent fires
• Store the matches and lighters in a locked room out of the reach of children.
• Never leave naked flames such as candles unattended.
• Never empty ash trays into the waste paper bin or dust bin without first making
sure that everything is properly extinguished.
• Add a little water to the ash tray before emptying it or let it stand overnight to
make sure it is safe to empty.
• Before going to bed, make sure that fireplaces are properly extinguished or that
the hearth is shielded so that no sparks can fly out and start a fire.
• Handle and store flammable liquids in a safe manner.
• Only use fuses of the correct rating in the house electrical system.
Never experiment with homemade fuses of any kind.
• Replace any faulty electrical wiring, plugs or switches. Use only approved
electrical appliances in your home.
• Do not place flammable objects next to electrical heating appliances.
Always be prepared for a fire
If your home catches fire the lives of your family could be decided in a few seconds.
Everyone in your household must be well prepared for emergencies.
Practice fire drills
• Plan alternative escape routes, choosing windows and doors suitable as emergency
exits if the normal exits should happen to be blocked by smoke or flames.
For high windows a fire escape ladder or rope should be organized.
• Agree upon a meeting point outside the house where the family can regroup
in case of alarms.
• Keep bedroom doors closed during the night. A door can keep the fire at bay
long enough for you to make your escape through a window.
• If you have any fire-fighting equipment, make sure that it works and that
the members of your family know how to use it.
• Practice the fire drill with your family. You might want to pretend it is a game
so as not to frighten small children.
If a fire breaks out
1. Wake everyone up and make sure that they leave the building.
Follow the agreed upon escape plan.
2. If possible, close doors and windows to contain the blaze.
3. Ring the fire brigade (999) from your neighbour’s house or mobile phone. If the fire
is a small one, you can try to extinguish it yourself with a fire-extinguisher or hose.
For really small fires a blanket can also be used. Make sure that you have a means
of escape in case the fire should escalate.
4. If you cannot put the fire out yourself, get out of the building as quickly as possible.
5. Do not re-enter a burning building once you have escaped.
