Sunshine Care Training

Sarah Yorwerth & Tara Hollinshead

Fire Safety

Home Prevention and Preparedness

Many fires in the home are caused by a single moment of carelessness and could easily be prevented.

It is important to be aware of possible fire hazards around the home and to take steps to protect you and your clients from fire.

Did you know? You are more likely to die in a fire if your

smoke alarm doesn’t work 18 people die every year because the

battery in their smoke alarm does not work, or was flat.

Over 50% of fires are caused due to careless cooking.

3 fires a day are caused by candles Every 3 days, someone is killed by a fire

caused by a cigarette. Faulty appliances and overloaded sockets

cause over 7,000 house fires a year.

Fire alarms Test the batteries every week and change every year. Never disconnect if it goes off by mistake Strobe light and vibrating pad alarms are available through

the RNID for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Don’t put alarms in kitchens or bathrooms. Ideally install in middle of a room or hallway The Fire and Rescue service will happily install for you.

House Keeping

A Vast majority of our Service Users are elderly, and have collected many things over the years. It is very important to maintain a safe environment, but reducing the hazards an ensuring there a clear fire exits and no trip hazards.

Reducing the amount of combustible materials Reducing the amount of flammable liquids The use of Oxygen therapy Flammable gases Reducing the amount of waste material e.g. trash. Furniture (some that are not fire retardant) Ensuring Service Users have access to emergency exits.

The KitchenTake extra Care- Do not leave pans on the hob when unattendedMake sure saucepan handles don’t stick out.Keep tea towels and cloths away from the hob.Keep electrical appliances and leads away from fires.Check toasters are clean and away from kitchen roll.Keep oven, hob and grill clean. Fat and Grease can cause fires!

Do not put anything metal or silver/gold trim in the microwave.

Make sure food is dry before putting in hot oil.If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the head and leave to cool.Never throw water over a burning pan.

The ElectricsAlways check that the right fuse is in placeMake sure the appliance has a British or European safety mark when you buy it.Try and keep one plug to one socket.

Check for loose wiring, scorch marks, hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow or circuit breakers that trip for no obvious reasons, or flickering lights.

Unplug appliances after use.

Replace any old cables and leads, behind furniture and under carpets and mats.

Electrical BlanketsElectric Blankets are ideal in the winter for keeping a warm bed!It is recommended that electric blankets over 3 years old are serviced annually by a qualified electrician. Electric blankets should be stored flat.Unplug before you get into bed, unless there is a thermostat control that is safe to use overnight.

Sunshine Care’s policy on Electric Blankets, is that the Service User signs a Disclaimer for the use of Electric Blankets. It is important that your Service User has done this.Check for incontinence issues!No hot water bottles

Did you know?Each year 20 people are killed and 250 people are injured.Faulty blankets cause 1,000 household fires a year.Electric blankets that are 10years old + are responsible or 99% of electric blanket fires in the UK.

Portable HeatersPortable Heaters are ideal for warming up a room quickly.

Try to secure heater up against a wall to stop the falling over.

Keep them clear from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.

CigarettesStub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully. Put them out! Right out!

Never smoke in bed

Use a proper ashtray- not a wastepaper bin. Put a drop of water in the ashtray- do not overload.Don’t leave a lit cigarette.Report any careless smoking

Did you know?420 people killed and 13,000 are injured each yearA majority of these were over 65.

CandlesMake sure candles are secure in a proper holder away from materials and furniturePut candles out when leaving the house.Use a snuffer or a spoon to put them outDo not leave alone with children.

Did you know?In the year 2000, 2000 house fires due to candles.As a result 10 people died and 900 were injured.

Plug-ins Always read carefully the manufacturer instructions.

Do not allow the oil to burn low or burn out.

Check for scorch marks, burning smells or anything that could indicate fault.

Do not place near clothing or combustible materials.

OxygenDo not light candles, lanterns, fires and cookers, and DO NOT smoke whilst on Oxygen.

Keep Oxygen at least 6ft away from heat sources such as paraffin heaters, gas heaters, candles, cigarettes and fire places.

Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach

Inform the local fire station about having oxygen at home.

Make sure fire alarms are fitted and working.

Make sure there is an oxygen sticker on their car for transportation.

ALL FIRES NEED THREE INGREDIENTS TO BURN REMOVING ONE PREVENTS THE FIRE FROM STARTING OR SPREADING.

Escape RouteEnsure you familiarise yourself with the environment, you need to know how to escape

Make sure exit routes are clear.

Ensure your Service User has an exit route, and access to a key.

Always have a second exit route.

Be aware of your clients abilities.

Look for a clearly marked exit sign

In the Event of a Fire.DO NOT tackle fires yourself, leave it to the professionals.

• Keep Calm, act quickly, get everyone out as soon as possible.• Don’t waste time investigating what’s happened or rescuing valuables.• If there’s smoke, keep low where the air is clearer• BEFORE opening the door- check with the back of your hand before.• Call 999 as soon as you are clear of the building. Or get as far away from the fire as

possible.

If you are UNABLE to exit.Get as far away from the fire as possible.Get low to the floorHave a damp cloth over your face.Cover gaps in doors with damp towels or material.

The Bed time Check Close inside doors at night to stop fire

from spreading Turn off and unplug appliances unless

its fridge/freezer. Check your cooker is off Do not leave washing machine on Turn heater off and put up fireguards Put candles and cigarettes out. Make sure exits are kept clear Keep door and window keys accessible.

Fire ExtinguishersExtinguisher Purpose

Class A Paper, wood, plastics.

Class B Gas, kerosene, grease and oil

Class C Electric, appliances, wires and circuit breakers

Class D Magnesium, Titanium, potassium and sodium