As the cost of living increases across the UK, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service are offering help and
advice to people so that they stay safer in their homes. This ranges from simple steps such as making
sure you have adequate smoke detection and getting your chimney regularly swept.
The most recent statistics for England, which cover from 1 st January – 31 st December 2021, show 181
people lost their lives in accidental dwelling fires, an increase of 18% on the previous year.
Smoke Detection – The easiest way to protect you home and family from fire is with a working
smoke alarm. Here are a few pointers to ensure you stay safe:
Ensure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home
The ideal position for a smoke alarm is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room, and on the hallway/landing
Most smoke alarms have a 10-year life so ensuring yours is still within the manufacture dates is key. This date can usually be found on the alarm.
Never disconnect or take the batteries out of your alarm if it goes off by mistake.
Chimney Sweeping – The fire service recommends that people get their chimney swept twice a year when burning wood or house coal and at least once a year when burning smokeless fuels. This should be done before the start of the heating season and after your stove has not been used for prolonged period.
Carbon Monoxide – Is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas which is produced when fuels
such as a gas, oil, coal and wood don’t fully burn. If you have cookers, heaters, boilers, a gas fire, an
open fire or log burner which uses any of these fuels you need to fit a CO detector.
Staying safe during this year’s bonfire/firework night - Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
recommends that people avoid having bonfire and fireworks at home. However, if you wish to have
them at home then please follow their easy to remember steps guide:
B – Build your bonfire in a safe place, away from buildings, trees and sheds
O – Observers are to be kept at a safe distance
N – Notify Fire Control on 02031622240 if you are having a Bonfire
F – Fuels and other accelerates to never be used on a fire
I – In case of an emergency always have a hose or bucket of water ready
R – Never return to a firework when it has been lit
E – Extinguish, ensure the fire is fully out before you leave it unattended