Question your perception of fire

Fire crews from across Derbyshire are asking people to think about the damage a fire in their home could cause and to take action to prevent it happening.

The 'question their perception of fire' campaign is backed by a series of events across the county showing people the adverse effect a fire in the home can have, not just on property but also on people's lives.

Group Manager, Prevention, Steve Helps said: 'People often have an unrealistic perception of fire and the devastating effect it can have on their lives.  They often don't believe how quickly it can spread and how the smoke and flames can cause serious injury or death.

"We want to make people question what they think of fire and take action to make themselves, their families and their homes safe from the risk of fire.  Research indicates that people do consider crime and being involved in road traffic collisions as a risk, however, very few consider fire as a risk even though it could affect their lives.  As a result, those who are not actively encouraged to think about the risk often will not do so.  The aim of this campaign is to tackle this perception and raise awareness because by taking  a few simple steps you can make your home safer from the risk of fire.

"More than 50 per cent of fires in the home start within the kitchen.  This is often because people get distracted while cooking; they answer the phone; or they cook when they are tired or have had an alcoholic drink but these types of fires are easily preventable.  Take some simple precautions such as never leaving cooking unattended, buying a takeaway instead of cooking if you are under the influence of alcohol, and by replacing your chip pan for an electronic deep fat fryer."

In the event of a cooking fire, turn off the heat under a pan or grill if it is safe to do so; close the door to contain the fire and smoke damage; get out of the house; call the fire and rescue service out and stay out.  Do not attempt to tackle the fire.

GET OUT, STAY OUT, DIAL 999.

Make sure working smoke alarms are fitted on each level of your home.  Test smoke alarms weekly and do not attempt to remove the batteries for any other purpose.

For more fire safety information visit our website, www.derbys-fire.gov.uk and follow the perceptions of fire link.

Any inquiries please contact Pam Thindal, South Area Office, 01332 345440 ext 5609 or pthindal@derbys-fire.gov.uk

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