Fire Safety in the Living room

The living room contains a large amount of furniture, ornaments, candles, carpets/wooden flooring, video tapes/DVD’s, photographs, and the list goes on. It is no wonder then that many fires every year start in the living room. It is very important that the door to the living room and all doors of the house are closed before going to bed because if there is a fire this will slow down the spread of fire and smoke.

Tips to improve Fire Safety in the Living Room

Candles

• Ensure that they are used in proper, fire safe, containers and on a heat resistant surface.
• Ensure that they are not left on a surface where they can be easily knocked over.
• Ensure that they are never left unattended.
• Keep candles away from draughts.
• Ensure that they are not left where children or pets can get to them.
• Ensure that there is nothing combustible in range above and around the candle.
• Never put lit candles on top of televisions, etc.
• Never move a candle when it is lit, extinguish and allow it to cool down first.

 

Fireplaces

• Never use petrol or similar substances to light a fire in your home.
• Only burn suitable materials.
• Ensure that there is proper ventilation in the room when using all types of heating appliances.
• Always place an effective, proper fitting, spark-guard in front of open fires.
• Keep the area around the fireplace cl ear of newspapers, books, clothes, etc. (any combustibles).
• Avoid hanging a mirror over the fireplace as this attracts people to stand too close to the fire.
• Don’t air clothes too close to the fire.
• Hot ashes should be disposed of carefully and not put into plastic bins while still hot.

Electricity

• Never overload electric sockets.
• If you need more electric sockets have an electrician install more.
• Make sure that you use the correct fuses in your appliances.
• Unplug all unnecessary electrical appliances at night-time.
• If electrical equipment is designed to be on all night install a smoke alarm in the room.

 

Smokers

• Make sure that there are sufficient ashtrays in the room.
• Make sure to keep the ashtrays empty after use and dispose of contents carefully (running cold water over them).
• Never smoke when tired or after alcohol as cigarette butts, if dropped, can stay lit for long periods before setting something on fire.
• Never leave lit cigarettes unattended for even a second.
• Keep matches and lighters in a safe place and away from children.
• Where possible buy childproof lighters and matchboxes.