Fire Safety Advice for Parents & Guardians

Households with children can be at a higher risk of fire.

It is important that parents and guardians take fire safety precautions to keep children safe.

Reducing the Risk of Fires

Electrical Equipment – If you or your children are charging devices such as mobile phones and laptops, make sure they are on a hard surface and never leave them charging unattended.

Be aware of how hot gaming devices can become, do not block air flow around the machine and switch off when not in use.

Keep straighteners and hair dryers away from young children.

Consider installing plug guards if necessary.
Alarms – Ensure your property has working smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors. You need at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home.

Test your alarms monthly and encourage children to test them with you.
Smoking Materials – Keep matches and lighters out of reach of young children. Make sure any cigarettes are extinguished properly.
Candles – Keep lit candles or tea-lights well out of reach of young children and don’t leave them unattended.
Cooking – Cooking is the main cause of fires in the home – stay in the kitchen if you or your children are cooking.
Heaters and Fires – Ensure child-proof fireguards are in front of fires or heaters.

Don’t let children play or leave toys near a fire or heater.

Work out your escape route in case of a fire and practice it with your family
Keep keys to any doors on your escape route in one place so you all know where they are in an emergency
Keep the stairs and escape route clear of clutter.

Many children show a natural interest and curiosity in fire.
Even if they do not display any fire-setting behaviour, many children may be fascinated by fire and it is not uncommon for children as young as two to show an interest.
Unfortunately for some children this interest develops into something more dangerous. HWFRS can offer support through the Fire Safety Intervention Scheme.
What is the Fire Safety Intervention Scheme?