Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 10/01/2006 12:27

Most of us have already decided on the traditional annual compulsion of making resolutions. Research shows that the most popular choices are giving up smoking, losing weight and getting fitter.

"There are however some choices which are not so hard to achieve which will benefit individuals and families alikeĻ said Davinia Grist, Public Relations Officer

"Spending a small amount of time thinking about safety in the home, like the other more popular resolutions, is a lifetime's investment. Each year several hundred people die and many more are injured in their homes because of fireĻ

Be Prepared For Fire

X Decide in advance your emergency escape plan, which must include the young, old, and any infirm members of your household. Practice using the escape routes especially in the dark. Have an assembly point outside where everyone in the household knows to meet in the event of a fire.

X Fit smoke alarms, ideally one on each floor. Test them weekly.

X Before going to bed, close all doors.

X Make sure keys are readily available to unlock external doors.

X Make sure any alternative ways out that you have identified, are also able to be opened in an emergency.

X Get every one out, then telephone the fire and rescue service from outside.
In closing Davinia Grist said: "Our aim is to help create safer communities. Prevention is better than cure. There is more than one way to fight a fire and your resolution can help us succeed"