Safe Living
Fire Extinguishers

If you are aware of a fire in your home you must get everyone out as quickly as possible and call the fire and rescue service. Even in its early stages the fire can develop and spread very quickly. You may feel that you are able to deal with it yourself.

If you are in any doubt...

• DO NOT TACKLE THE FIRE no matter how small it is.
• Always put your and other people’s safety first.
• Ensure that someone calls the fire and rescue service.
• Do not move the object on fire.

If you choose to install and use fire extinguishers follow these guidelines.

Buy wisely....
Whatever type or make of fire extinguisher you choose, make sure if conforms to the appropriate British Standard, look for the kitemark or, British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE) mark.

Where to fix your extinguisher...

• Fix an extinguisher where you can reach it quickly.
• The best place is on an escape route, that is near an outside door, or adjacent to a specific risk.
• It should be properly fixed to the wall at a height where it can be reached.
• Do not place them over cookers, heaters or other extreme heat source.
• Always follow manufacturer's instructions when using and siting extinguishers.
• Never use water on fat pan fires or electrical fires.
• Do not use extinguishers on chip or pan fires as the jet from the extinguisher may force burning fat out of the pan.

Maintenance
The manufacturer’s instructions will tell you what you need to do to keep your extinguisher in good working order. After an extinguisher has been used, even if only partially, it must be recharged according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The extinguisher should be properly serviced once a year.

Fire Blankets
Fire blankets are made of fire resistant materials. They are particularly useful for smothering fat pan fires or for wrapping round a person whose clothing is on fire. Look for the British Standard mark (BS EN 1869 / BS 7944) and follow the maker’s intructions for positioning and use.

• A fire blanket should be used on a fat pan fire.
• Fire blankets should be kept in the kitchen.
• Do not put your blanket too close to your cooker, you may not reach it in the event of a fire.

Further Information
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the type of fire appropriate to each one and follow their instructions carefully. If you require any further information about the type of fire extinguisher of fire blanket you should buy, ask us. We will be glad to help you and our advice is expert and free of charge. We are always happy to provide you with general fire safety advice.

The main types of extinguisher that you will come across are:

These extinguishers may be colour banded so that you can identify them quickly to prevent you from using the wrong extinguisher and placing yourself in danger.

If you have any doubt then please contact us for advice.

• Water fire extinguishers are used for wood, paper, textile and solid material fires. DO NOT USE on these extinguishers on liquid, electrical or metal fires. They are colour-coded red.
• Powder fire extinguishers are used for liquid and electrical fires. DO NOT USE on these extinguishers metal fires. They are colour-coded blue.
• Foam fire extinguishers are used for liquid fires. DO NOT USE on these extinguishers on electrical or metal fires. They are colour coded yellow.
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers are used for liquid and electrical fires. DO NOT USE these extinguishers on metal fires. They are colour coded black.

Download the Fire Extinguisher Leaflet (PDF - 662kb)

Further information and safety advice is available from these sources:

The Arson Prevention Bureau which has been set up by the Home Office and the Association of British Insurers to spearhead a national programme of action against arson.

Additional help and advice on protection of your premises is available from:

• Your insurer.
• Our Community Fire Safety Department. Our RBFRS Helpline is available on: (0118) 932 2152
• The crime prevention department of Thames Valley Police.

In case of fire... call 999



If you have any information about a suspicious fire call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, your call is free and completely anonymous. Visit the Crimestoppers website for further information.