Fire Safety

Fire safety is incredibly important, the best way to deal with an emergency is to prevent it ever happening in the first place. We have compiled together a list of advice and tips to keep you and your home safe from a fire breaking out, and what to do in the event a fire does begin in your property.

It is required by law for all houses to have fitted, interlinked fire alarms, which means if one alarm goes off, they all go off. Meaning you will always hear them regardless of where you are in your home. 

Every Home must have: 

  • One smoke alarm in the living room/ room they use the most. 
  • One smoke alarm in every hallway and landing. 
  • One heat alarm in the kitchen. 

If you are not sure if you have this, please contact the office for more information. 

Smoke Alarms
  • It is important to make sure you have working smoke alarms fitted in your home.
  • It is recommended you test these alarms at least once a month.
  • If your smoke alarm is beeping, it is time to change the batteries.
  • How to test your smoke alarm: press the button on your smoke alarm until it goes off. If it does not go off, you need to replace the battery. Never disconnect or take the batteries out of your alarm if it goes off by mistake.
Kitchen Safety
  • Do not walk away from appliances when they are switched on and/or cooking.
  • Do not put your washing machine or dryer on overnight
  • When cooking, never mix hot fat and water.
Smoke Alarms vs Heat Alarms

A smoke alarm detects smoke, these should be fitted in all rooms where a fire might start. However, in a smoky/steamy room like a ktichen or bathroom it would be more suitable to have a Heat Alarm. These go off when the room reaches a certain temperature.

What to do in the event of a fire
  • Exit the house as quickly and as safely as you possibly can before contacting 999.
  • If you cannot exit the house, gather in a room as far away from the fire as possible and use clothes/pillows/sheets/blankets to cover any gaps in the door, to prevent smoke inhalation.
  • If you have to go through multiple rooms to exit your house, test the door handle with the back of your hand. If the handle is scorching hot, it is not safe to exit the room.
  • If there is smoke in your home, it is recommended to crawl underneath with your nose close to the floor.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue service offers everyone in Scotland a free Home Fire Safety Visit. 
They can help you set up a fire escape plan and provide vital information aboke smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms. 
Call 0800 0731 999 or text 'FIRE' to 80800 to set up your free Home Fire Safety Visit.