Fire Safety is an important topic and whilst we have included the most common subjects on the site, it is not possible to cover them all in such detail.
If you have any concern over a fire safety issue within your home and we have not covered it on the site, please feel free to contact us, and we will try our best to help you, or at least point you in the right direction.
If you have any concerns about fire safety within your place of work or business, you should contact your local fire station or Fire and Rescue Headquarters who will point you in the direction of a fire safety officer, who will be far better placed to deal with your query.
- My smoke detectors are bleeping indicating a low battery, but are mains wired ?
- Am I entitled to free smoke detectors ?
- How do I obtain fire safety leaflets and can I get them in bulk ?
- Where can I get fire safety advice from, and how much will it cost ?
- How do I arrange for a fire engine to visit a school or outside venue ?
- How do I know if my electrical items are safe to use ?
- Will the Fire and Rescue Service check my electric blanket ?
- What is a Home Fire Risk Assessment ?
- I have an old, empty Fire Extinguisher. How do I dispose of it ?
- I have been advised to contact my local fire station for advice, how will they help ?
- I need some fire safety advice on my business premise, who do I contact ?
1. My smoke detectors are bleeping indicating a low battery, but are mains wired ?
Smoke Alarms which are wired to the mains supply are also known as hard wired. All these smoke alarms still have a battery which needs to be checked and replaced if required. The reason that mains Smoke Alarms have batteries, is so they continue to work and protect, even if there is a power cut.
2. Am I entitled to free smoke detectors ?
The majority of households in the UK are entitled to Smoke Alarms. However, its not as simple as calling into a fire station and getting them. Firefighters and specialist teams will come to your home and fit them for you.
This all forms part of carrying out a Home Fire Risk Assessment.
3. How do I obtain fire safety leaflets and can I get them in bulk ?
The more commonly requested leaflets are available electronically here. However, if you need a specific leaflet, not listed, or need leaflets in bulk, then you need to contact your local fire station. They will be able to provide you with the correct leaflet or guide and order more of the same, providing the purpose of the bulk order is to raise fire safety awareness.
4. Where can I get fire safety advice from, and how much will it cost ?
The Fire and Rescue Service does not charge for any advice it gives on fire safety issues. You can obtain free advice by either telephoning your local fire station or headquarters, calling into your local station or by arranging a Home Fire Risk Assessment.
5. How do I arrange for a fire engine to visit a school or outside venue ?
If you require a fire engine to visit your school or fete, you must apply in writing to the local fire station from which the appliance is based. All letters should be addressed to the Station Commander. Please ensure you give as much information as possible about the event and the audience that will be at the event. You must apply in plenty of time as facilitating the attendance of a fire appliance can sometimes be a difficult task due to training and operational requirements.
It must also be bourne in mind that whilst any attendance is made to an event, the appliance will be available for fire calls and may be called away at a moments notice.
6. How do I know if my electrical items are safe to use ?
Whilst firefighters carrying out Home Fire Risk Assessment may check cables running from appliances, this is no way a guarantee that the item is electrically safe. If you have any concerns over any aspect of your electrical system or electrical items in your home, you should disconnect them straight away and seek the advice of a competent electrician.
7. Will the Fire and Rescue Service check my electric blanket ?
The Fire and Rescue Service are not qualified to test electric blankets, this needs to be done by a competent electrician. We can however advise you on the safe use of electric blankets.
8. What is a Home Fire Risk Assessment ?
A Home Fire Risk Assessment is a service provided by the local Fire and Rescue Service. A specialist team or 2 firefighters will come and see you in your home offering advice on any fire safety issue you have. They will devise an escape plan with you and supply and fit any smoke alarms that you may need, all free of charge. The visit is open to anyone.
9. I have an old, empty Fire Extinguisher. How do I dispose of it ?
Fire Extinguishers need to be disposed of correctly and should not be placed in the normal household waste. If you have an extinguisher that needs to be disposed of, please take it to you local Council Refuge center who will dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner.
10. I have been advised to contact my local fire station for advice, how will they help ?
Many fire safety queries can be answered by simply browsing our fire safety section. Any other problems are more likley to need inspection by trained fire crews within your area. If this is the case, we suggest you contact your local fire station and ask for advice. This is much easier than us trying to answer any queries by email etc.
If you prefer, you can request to have a Home Fire Risk Assessment carried out which will remedy most problems or queries you may have.
11. I need some fire safety advice on my business premise, who do I contact ?
Whilst we provide some basic fire safety advice on the site, I am afraid advice regarding business premises will need to be addressed to your local fire safety officer who can be contacted via the Fire and Rescue Headquarters.
All members of the Fire and Rescue Service carry Photo Identification. If in doubt, telephone your local Fire and Rescue Service to check your visitor is genuine.