Just a few minutes of your time now, could make a big difference

Approximately one third of all accidents happen in the home environment, so here are a few handy hints to make your home a safer environment:

Hall and Stairs

• Keep stairs and passages clear of obstructions.
• Use the stair rail, and if you have weak arms or legs fit a second rail on the wall.
• Make sure you have a smoke alarm, and that it works
• Keep stairs well lit.
• Keep carpets in good condition.

Bathroom

• Put cold water into a bath first.
• Always use the grab handles when getting into and out of the bath.
• In baths with showers always use anti-slip mats.
• Keep cleaning chemicals out of sight and out of reach of visiting children.
• Always leave the bathroom door unlocked in case you may need help in an emergency.

Bedroom

• Don't leave electric blankets on overnight and have it serviced every year.
• If it is more that 10 years old it's time to replace it with a new one that has an overheat protection device.
• Don't leave clothes lying on the floor as they can become a tripping hazard.

Kitchen

• Don't leave your cooking unattended. If you are called to the door or the telephone make sure you turn the cooker off before you leave it.
• Don't overfill your chip fryer with oil (one third full is the maximum) and make sure the chips are dry before putting them it.
• Turn pot handles to the side.
• Where possible use coiled flexes for a kettle and toaster - this ensures that flexes do not hang over the edge of work surfaces or trail across floors
• Mop up spills immediately, especially on the floor.

Living Room

• Arrange furniture carefully to allow you to move around freely without bumping into low level items.
• Keep the floor areas clear of clutter and avoid using rugs on polished floors, or use carpet tape to secure them down.
• Have sockets conveniently situated to avoid the necessity for adapters and flexes trailing across the floor.
• Don't put plants or flowers on the television.
• Don't have mirrors above fires.

Electrical Safety, Heaters and Fires

• Never use electrical appliances - such as radios, hairdryers and portable heaters - in the bathroom. If you require more heat in the bathroom get a properly fitted fixed heater.
• Switch off and unplug any appliances that are not being used at night.
• Don't overload sockets - use a good quality fused adapter.
• Don't route flex or cables under rugs or carpets - they could fray and cause a fire.
• Always connect to a power point fitted with a residual current device (RCD) when using electrical power tools such as drills and lawnmowers outdoors.
• Sit at least three feet away from a heater or fire and don't place portable heaters too close to furniture or other flammable items.

Smoking

Smoking can kill you in many ways. It is the single most likely cause of a fatal fire in the home. Following a few simple rules will protect you and your family from this hazard:

• Never smoke in bed or when you are tired.
• Make sure the contents of ashtrays are fully extinguished (use water) and emptied last thing at night
• Don't leave a burning cigarette - not even in an ashtray.
• Keep cigarettes, matches and lighters away from children

Fire Safety

• Have a smoke alarm fitted tin each floor of your house. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and contact the Fire Safety Officer at your nearest fire station if you need help or advice on installation.
• Have the battery changed once a year - put it on your calendar to remind you, or choose a particular date such as a birthday. Always have a spare battery to hand.
• Press the button to test it every month. If you can't reach it use a broom handle or something similar.
• Before going to bed at night go around the house checking on: cookers, plugs, fires and ashtrays to make sure they are safe.
• Close the doors to the kitchen, lounge and any other room that is not occupied at night. This will hold back the spread of fire and smoke, and give you time to escape.

If you do have a fire:

• Get out of the house
• Dial 999 and ask for the Fire Brigade