Food Service Business: A Guide To Fire Safety
When you’re tucked up in bed, the last thing you want to worry about is a fire breaking out in your home. But nighttime is a high-risk period for house fires – everyone’s asleep, and a small issue can quickly turn into a major emergency. The good news? A few simple steps before bed can make all the difference.
Here’s a simple bedtime checklist to help keep your home and loved ones safe.
- Unplug Unnecessary Electrical Items
Phone chargers, laptops, and small appliances should be switched off and unplugged when not in use. Overheating and faulty wiring are common fire starters.
- Blow Out Candles
Make sure all candles are fully extinguished and never left unattended. If you use an open fire or stove, check that the embers are fully out or that a fireguard is in place.
- Switch Off Electric Blankets
They’re cosy, but electric blankets should never be left on overnight unless they are designed for all-night use (check the manufacturer’s instructions). Faulty wiring in old blankets can cause fires.
- Check Cooking Appliances Are Off
It’s surprisingly easy to leave an oven or hob on by mistake. Before heading to bed, double-check that everything is switched off and that no flammable items (like tea towels) are too close to heat sources.
- Close All Interior Doors
Shutting doors at night slows the spread of fire and smoke, giving you and your family more time to react in an emergency. This simple step could save lives.
- Empty Ashtrays & Never Smoke Indoors
Cigarettes are one of the biggest causes of house fires. If anyone smokes in your home, make sure all cigarette butts are fully extinguished and never smoke in bed.
- Check Your Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
A working smoke alarm can be the difference between life and death. Test your alarms regularly and make sure there’s one on every floor of your home. If your home has a gas boiler or solid fuel stove, install a carbon monoxide alarm too.
- Turn Off Portable Heaters
Electric and gas heaters should always be turned off before bed. Keep them well away from curtains, furniture, and anything that could catch fire.
- Make Sure You Have a Fire Escape Plan
If a fire does start, do you know the quickest and safest way out? Make sure everyone in your home knows the escape plan, and keep exits clear of clutter.
- Keep Emergency Contacts Handy and Know Your Eircode
Make sure everyone in your household knows your Eircode and teach your family what to say when calling 999 or 112. Remember, keep a phone by your bedside at night in case of an emergency.
Taking a few minutes to follow this checklist can greatly reduce your risk of a fire while you sleep.
Would you like help choosing the right fire safety products for your home? Browse our range of smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and other essentials here.
If you Discover a Fire
Raise the alarm
Evacuate the premises
Call 999 or 112
Only tackle the fire if safe to do so
Be Smart. Be Prepared. Be Safe.
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