Home Fire Safety Week

Home Fire Safety Week 2022 is a campaign running from 13th-19th June and is held by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). The focus of this campaign is on the main risks of fire in the home and how these can be prevented, taking into account the social and economic climate.

This year, there is a heavy emphasis on the fire risks associated with the current cost of living issues and the consequences of the pressures people are facing. 

This article will delve into the messaging of the Home Safety Week 2022 campaign and highlight the key considerations when it comes to fire safety in the home. 

Rise in cost of living

As the cost of living surges throughout the UK, the NFCC are urging people to take fire safety precautions to stay safe in their home. With soaring fuel and food prices, there is a concern that people may cut corners to keep themselves warm and put themselves at additional risk as a result.

The Home Safety Week wants to remind people to:

• buy their electrical products from a reputable supplier
• charge and use their electrical items in line with manufacturer instructions
• have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms fitted by a qualified expert

Smoking and fire risk in the home

According to the government, “careless disposal of cigarettes is the single biggest killer in house fires”. While the health risks of smoking are well publicised, many are still unaware of how quickly a fire can break out due to a lit cigarette, which is particularly dangerous for those who are older, vulnerable or have mobility issues.

The cost of living crisis has seen some smokers tempted by cheaper illegal tobacco products, such as fake and counterfeit cigarettes, that can present a greater fire risk. Those who choose to smoke must make sure they purchase legal cigarettes that conform to safety standards – while this doesn’t remove the risk entirely, it does help to reduce it.

Heating and fire risk in the home

As many people are looking for more affordable ways of reducing their energy bills, the fire safety industry wants to make sure people are using safe ways to keep themselves warm in the lead up to the colder months later in the year. 

Rising prices may cause people – particularly older or vulnerable people – to opt for alternative heating methods to central heating, such as portable heaters and electric blankets. In such cases, it’s important to:

• make sure these items work correctly
• check for any damaged wiring/plugs 
• keep an eye out for any product recalls on the item which might make it faulty

During the colder months, people might choose to heat one room and spend most of their time in there to help reduce energy costs – if this is the case, a smoke alarm must be fitted in the rooms used the most to ensure the necessary fire detection measures are taken. A qualified expert can advise you on where the smoke alarm needs to be installed and make sure it is fitted in line with industry standards.

For fire alarm installations and maintenance in Maidstone, Medway, Tonbridge and the surrounding areas, Astra Security are the experts to call. With over 40 years’ industry experience, we will help you choose the right fire alarm for your property and requirements to keep you and your family safe.

Don’t delay – get in touch with us today.