Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is sharing advice about some of the key things you can do to help ensure your safety in an emergency – and how you can help others.
A fire can happen in a property at any time of the day or night, so it is vital that everyone is prepared, as well as knowing what to do should the unexpected happen. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you have working smoke detectors in your property?
- Do you know how you would escape in the event of a fire?
- Are you or someone you know eligible for a Safe and Well visit?
RBFRS is putting a focus on three crucial things people can do to improve their safety and peace of mind, while doing the same for friends, family, and neighbours:
Top Tips for Installing Smoke Alarms in Your Home
Ensure you have at least one smoke alarm on each floor, located where possible in hallways and on landings, and positioned near the middle of the room.
In rented accommodation, landlords and housing providers are required by law to fit smoke alarms.
Don’t put smoke alarms in kitchens, bathrooms or other places where there might be lots of smoke and steam. Instead, use heat detectors in kitchens.
For more advice, including information on specialist smoke alarms available to people with hearing loss, visit our smoke alarms webpage.
Creating and Sharing an Escape Plan for Your Home
- The best escape route is usually your normal route in and out of the house. Make a plan and share it with everyone who lives in or uses your property.
- Keep all routes clear of blockages and obstructions and consider a back-up option.
- Make sure everyone knows what to do, knows where door and window keys are kept. Regularly remind everyone about what to do in the event of a fire.
Learn more about effective escape plans on our website.
Making a referral for a Safe and Well visit
A Safe and Well Visit is a free service that we provide to eligible residents tailored to individual needs, relating to health and wellbeing, as well as fire risk reduction.
During the visit, we will:
- Ask a series of fire risk assessment questions;
- Check each room of your property to identify any potential hazards;
- Check that you have working smoke alarms on each level of your home and where appropriate, fit free ten-year smoke alarms;
- Check that you have a carbon monoxide alarm, where appropriate, and fit free ten-year CO alarms;
- Provide fire safety advice and show you how to test your smoke alarms;
- Work with you to create an escape plan for you and your family;
- Provide advice, signpost or refer you to our partner agencies that can support you with health or wellbeing needs
A Safe and Well visit will take place in the home and can be arranged at a convenient time. Find out if you or a someone you know qualifies for a free Safe and Well visit.