Fire Safety in the Home

Each year, fire services in Ireland respond to nearly 5,000 domestic fires.

Common Causes:

• Chimney fires.
• Overloaded sockets or faulty electrical appliances.
• Cooking oil catching fire.
• Falling asleep while smoking.
• Children playing with lighters or matches.
• Unattended candles or burning rubbish.

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Guidelines for Fire Safety in the Home

1. Install smoke alarms and test them weekly.
2. Keep a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen.
3. Use fireguards on open fireplaces to prevent embers or burning material from falling out.
4. Regularly clean chimneys to avoid chimney fires.
5. Avoid leaving frying pans unattended or hanging items near the fireplace.
6. Create a fire exit plan and ensure all occupants know it.
7. Practice regular fire drills.

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What to Do in the Event of a Fire

🔥For Small Fires:

• Use a fire extinguisher or blanket to put out the fire.
• Never add water to burning oil or electrical fires.
• Smother pan fires with a lid or fire blanket.

🚒For Large Fires:

• Follow your fire exit plan and evacuate.
• Crawl on the floor to avoid smoke inhalation.
• Call 999 and wait for the fire brigade outside.
• Do not re-enter the house.