Kent Fire & Rescue Service

Kent Fire and Rescue logo
Almost all fires in the home can be prevented. Here are some fire safety tips which could prevent a fire from starting in your home:
Fire Kills Kent Connects

Prevention is better than cure


Kent Fire & Rescue Service's aim is to reduce deaths and injuries from fires and other emergencies.

Their Community Fire Safety unit works with all firefighters and district fire safety offices to raise community awareness of fire and preventative measures which could make the difference between life and death.

They work with local schools, businesses, residents and community groups across the county to spread fire safety messages and enable everyone to play their part in minimising the risk of fire and knowing what to do if a fire should start.

PREVENTION


Kitchen safety

Cooking with oil and fat is one of the most common causes of fire in the home
To keep your kitchen safe, remember:
  • NEVER fill a chip pan more than one-third full with oil or fat
  • NEVER leave hot oil or fat unattended
  • NEVER put the food in the pan if the oil begins to give off smoke. Turn off the heat and leave the oil to cool
  • ALWAYS clean up after using oil and NEVER allow it to build up in grill pans If the pan does catch fire; don't take risks.
There is no such thing as a safe fire. It is better for you to prevent fire than to fight it. Tackling fire is a job best left to professional firefighters. NEVER put water onto the fire!

Electrical Fires

Hundreds of people die and are injured each year as a result of electrical fires
Danger signs to look out for include:
  • Hot plugs and sockets
  • Fuses that blow for no obvious reason
  • Lights flickering
  • Brown scorch marks on sockets and plugs
  • REMEMBER - one appliance, one socket is safest


Portable and open fires

Do not place portable heaters too near to furniture or curtains
NEVER place anything on top of heaters or dry clothes too near to them
ALWAYS use suitable guards in front of open fires

Candles

Do not leave burning candles unattended, especially with young children or pets in the house
Do not place burning candles close to curtains, bedding or clothing

Smoking materials

Smoking materials are responsible for 10% of fires in the home
To avoid fires of this type:
  • NEVER leave a lit cigarette, cigar or other smoking material unattended
  • NEVER smoke in bed
  • ALWAYS keep matches and lighters well out of the reach of children



DETECTION


Smoke alarms

You are much more likely to die in a fire in your own home if you do not have a working smoke alarm. A smoke alarm can give you those precious few minutes of warning which could help you and your family to get out safely. Smoke alarms are a safety device. Every home should have one, preferably one on each floor.
Smoke alarms should be properly maintained
  • Test once a week
  • Vacuum the smoke alarm twice a year
  • Change the battery every year (unless fitted with a ten year battery)

FOR A FREE 10 YEAR SMOKE ALARM CALL MEDWAY FIRE SAFETY OFFICE ON
01634 283550



ESCAPE PLANS


How would you escape?

If a fire occurs in your home you may have to get out in dark and difficult conditions.
Escaping from a fire will be a lot easier if you have already planned your escape route and know what to do:
  • Make your fire escape plan with other members of your household
  • ALWAYS keep keys to locked doors and windows safe and available. They may be needed in an emergency
  • Identify alternative ways out in case the main exit becomes blocked and keep all routes clear of anything that could hinder your escape

Night-time routine

Many fires start at night. Make sure you have a night-time fire safety routine to help keep you and your family safe.
Here are a few simple things you should do every night:
  • Unplug electrical appliances not designed to stay on
  • Switch off portable heaters
  • Make sure no cigarettes, cigars or other smoking materials are still burning
  • ALWAYS close doors to all rooms


REMEMBER

in the event of a fire in your home

Get out
Call the fire service out (by dialling 999)
And stay out




SCHOOLS OFFICERS


Kent Fire and Rescue service have a team of officers dedicated to visiting schools and explaining what the fire service do and teaching the children how to prevent fires occurring and also what to do if a fire does happen.

To request a visit call 01622 698360