 Advice for Residents
A fire in your home is by far the biggest risk to your family and property.
Norfolk Fire and Rescue offers advice and information aimed at helping you to reduce the risks.
You may find the following useful in keeping you and your family safe.
- Smoke alarms
- Fit alarms on each level of your home
- Test the alarm is working weekly
- Change the battery regularly (unless it is a 10-year alarm)
- Identify escape routes from each room
- Keep the exits from your home clear
- Ensure everyone can find keys for doors and windows
- Take extra care when cooking especially when tired or if you have been drinking
- Do not smoke in bed
- Never leave a burning candle unattended
- Do not overload electrical sockets – one plug for each socket
- Close doors at night – this would slow down the progression of a fire.
In the event of 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 into the house for any reason
CALL OUT – Dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service
If your escape is blocked – get everyone in one room – close the door and put bedding or towels along the bottom of the door to seal the gap – open any windows for fresh air.
Dial 999 or shout for help and get someone else to make the call.
After a fire
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
Do not switch on gas, electric or water if the Fire Service has turned it off
Get these supplies checked and repaired before being reconnected
When the emergency services leave you are responsible for the security of your property
Accommodation
If your accommodation is unusable following a fire,
- Try to arrange accommodation with family or friends
- Contact the local authority housing advice officer
- Inform the police of your situation and where you can be contacted
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