A fire can start very easily and can spread with frightening speed. In the event of a fire, dial 999 and ask for the fire brigade.
Smoke alarms
The best place to put a smoke alarm is on the ceiling, as near to the centre of the room as possible. The smoke alarm should be placed at least 30 centimetres away from any light or wall. Don’t fit smoke alarms in the kitchen or bathroom where they can be accidentally triggered. Make sure you have at least one smoke alarm per level. The hallway and the landing are Ideal locations. Test your alarm once a week. Change the battery once a year (unless it is a 10-year alarm). Replace your smoke alarm unit every 10 years.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (external website) offer free smoke alarms to local residents. They will provide the smoke alarm, install it, and carry out a fire safety check of your home, free of charge.
Advice
- Try to identify two routes out of every room. Take a few minutes to ‘walk’ the routes with your family
- Keep your escape routes clear of obstacles
- Know where door and window keys are kept
- Check that everyone is able to operate keys and locks
- Don’t leave your TV or similar items on standby
- Shut all doors at night. This slows the spread of a fire
- Never leave a burning candle
- Clean out storage areas
During a fire
- Get Out - Get everyone together and get out. If there is a lot of smoke, crawl along the floor where the air is cleaner
- Stay Out - Don’t go back in your house, not even to collect valuables or pets
- Call Out - Dial 999 and ask for the Fire Brigade
- Raise the alarm and shout to wake everyone up; don’t look for the fire
- Check doors with the back of your hand before opening. If it feels warm, don’t open it
- Do not use a lift during a fire
- Stop-Drop-Roll: If your clothes catch fire, running will only fuel the flames and allow the blaze to spread over your body, producing worse burns. When flames are on your clothes, stop where you are, drop to the ground or the floor, cover your face with your hands and roll back and forth until the flames are extinguished
Find out more information by visiting the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service website (external website).