A bedtime routine is one of the most important fire safety measures you can perform to protect you and your family. It’s really important to have working smoke or heat alarms in every room where a fire could start, which may include bedrooms. Please use the points below as a guide to create a routine specific to you and your home:

• Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances not designed to stay on.
• Avoid leaving chargers on overnight.
• Empty ashtrays – ensure contents are dampened.
• Extinguish all candles properly.
• Switch off portable heaters.
• Put a fire guard around open fires.
• Close all doors at night.
• Ensure keys to doors and windows are easily accessible.
• Keep all escape routes clear from obstructions.
• It is advisable to keep a phone in your bedroom should you need to make an emergency call.

Ensure everyone living in your home is aware of the bedtime routine and if you have friends or family that live alone, make sure they also have a fire safety bedtime routine.

A smoke alarm is an early warning device that detects smoke at the earliest stages of a fire, giving you vital extra time to escape. Smoke alarms are relatively low cost and can be purchased from most supermarkets or high street stores.

Where to fit alarms

• A minimum of one smoke alarm should be fitted on every level of your home and on the ceiling at least 30cm away from the wall.
• For those with limited mobility, an alarm should be fitted where they sleep.
• For higher risk individuals, consider fitting additional smoke alarms in the most habitable rooms.
• Consider fitting additional smoke alarms in any room where a fire may start, which may include bedrooms.
• Heat detectors should be fitted in the kitchen.

General advice

• Choose an alarm which meets the required safety standards.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to fit and position the alarm.
• Test your smoke alarm every week.
• Ideally alarms should be hardwired and interlinked (this is a legislative requirement for rented accommodation).
• If purchasing a battery alarm, consider one with a sealed long life (10yr) battery.
• Replace the battery once a year if the alarm is designed for battery replacement.
• Vacuum around your smoke alarms regularly to stop a build-up of dust.
• For hardwired alarms, contact a qualified electrician to repair any faults.
• If you have friends or family that live alone, ensure they have a working alarm.
• For anyone with impaired hearing, there are sensory alarms available which include a vibrating pad and flashing light. Contact your GP to arrange an assessment.
• Never ignore a sounding alarm!

If a fire occurs in your home or if your smoke alarm sounds, you may have to get out quickly in dark and difficult conditions. Escaping from a fire will be a lot easier if you have already planned your escape route and everyone knows where to go. When making your plan, involve everyone in the house and consider these points:

• Keep your escape route clear of obstructions.
• Everyone needs to know where the door keys are kept.
• Protect your escape route by closing all doors into it, particularly at night.
• Practise using the agreed plan.
• Select a safe meeting place outside.
• Make everyone aware of how to call NIFRS.
• If there are vulnerable people, think about who will raise the alarm and help them.
• The normal way out is the preferred choice, however, consider alternative routes such as rear doors or escape windows.

If a fire occurs:

• Close the door of the room where the fire is – never attempt to tackle the fire.
• Get everyone out as quickly as possible, phone 999 and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service.
• NEVER go back into the house until NIFRS has informed you it is safe to do so.

If you are cut off by fire, try to remain calm:

• Get everyone into the same room, close the door and use towels/sheets to block any gaps around the door.
• If the room becomes smoky, crawl along the floor, open the window and try to attract the attention of others.
• Phone 999 and let NIFRS know your location.

If you have friends or family that live alone make sure they have a fire escape plan.

We are reminding the community of the importance to Get Out, Stay Out and Get the Fire & Rescue Service Out if they have a fire. We are advising people not to try and tackle fires, even if they think it’s only a small fire.

NIFRS understands how traumatic a fire event can become, particularly if family members or pets are involved. We are urging people not to put themselves at risk in attempting a rescue or trying to retrieve personal belongings. Fires can develop and spread rapidly; thick black smoke can quickly fill a property which could ultimately prevent you escaping safely from the building. The quicker a 999 call is made to NIFRS, the sooner local Firefighters can respond to the incident.

Fire prevention is always the better option when it comes to protecting you and your family
and keeping everyone fire safe.

Fire Safety Advice

• Know the four main causes of fire to prevent a fire happening in your home; these
  are:

1. Smoking
2. Cooking
3. Electrical Appliances
4. Candles
5. Carry out a bedtime routine before going to bed at night.

• Close all doors to prevent heat and smoke entering your fire escape route.
• Have a fire escape plan in place for you and your family and practise it so that everyone knows exactly what to do.
• Have a minimum of one working smoke alarm on each floor of your property and test it weekly to ensure it is working.
• And remember, should you have a fire, GET OUT, STAY OUT AND GET THE FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE OUT.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an extremely poisonous gas which is colourless, tasteless and odourless. It is produced as a result of incomplete combustion of carbon based fuels such as coal, wood or gas, due to poor ventilation or faulty equipment.

All boilers and fuel burning appliances have the potential to produce CO, therefore it is important they are serviced annually by a qualified engineer. For further CO advice contact HSENI via telephone on 0800 0320 121 or visit www.hseni.gov.uk/watchout.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• Always have a CO alarm in rooms where there is an open fire, stove, boiler or gas appliances.
• If you have friends or family that live alone, make sure they have a working CO alarm.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation and testing.
• Should your alarm activate or you suspect the presence of CO, isolate all possible sources, ventilate the property and get out.
• Call a qualified engineer to determine if there has been a leak of CO.

Remember TASK:

• T – Turn off or extinguish all fuel burning appliances if safe to do so.
• A – Air – Open all doors and windows to increase ventilation in the property, go outside and stay out in clean fresh air.
• S – Seek medical assistance if you feel unwell. Go to your GP or A&E. For medical emergencies call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
• K – Keep all appliances turned off until checked by a qualified engineer.

For a CO emergency where the occupants are at risk, call 999 and ask for an ambulance and the Fire & Rescue Service. In this instance, get out and stay out!

The structure of your flat is designed to give you protection from fire. You are usually safer to stay in your flat unless the heat and smoke is affecting you. Check your building’s fire safety arrangements which will advise you on the specific fire plan and, in the event of a fire, will determine your emergency plan. You can also follow the points below to help keep you safe:

• Make and practise a fire escape plan with everyone in your flat.
• Make sure stairways and fire escape routes are kept clear of all obstructions and check that doors on escape routes are never locked or blocked.
• Never tamper with internal fire mains (dry or wet riser) inlets on landings.
• If you see a riser vandalised or damaged, report it immediately.
• Never use or store gas cylinders in high rise flats.
• Never park or block access to high rise flats. Access roads are designed so that fire appliances can get as close as possible to fight fires.

In the event of a fire

• If you stay put, you should still call 999 for advice and to ensure attending crews have been notified. Keep doors closed and move towards an open window.
• If there is a fire inside your flat, the advice from NIFRS is to alert everyone and get out immediately; do not try to extinguish the fire yourself and close all doors behind you.
• If there is a lot of smoke in your flat, crawl along the floor where the air is clearer.
• Follow your fire escape plan.
• Always use the stairs rather than a lift.
• Call 999 – never assume that someone else has.
• If it is too dangerous to follow your escape route because the hallway and stairs are filled with smoke, stay inside the safest room and dial 999.
• Keep the door closed and pack blankets or clothes around the door to keep smoke out, and move towards an open window.

It is vitally important to remember that a candle is an open flame in your home which will ignite any combustible material that it comes into contact with. Following the fire safety advice below will help keep you and your family safe from fire:

• Never leave burning candles unattended and always extinguish before going to sleep – be sure the wick ember is no longer glowing.
• NEVER burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire. Keep them away from furniture, curtains, bedding, carpets, books, flammable decorations, etc.
• Keep burning candles out of reach of children and pets.
• Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use; the holder should be heat resistant, sturdy and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax.
• Don’t burn a candle longer than is recommended by the manufacturer.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down. Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container.
• NEVER touch or move a burning candle when the wax is liquid.
• Extinguish a candle if it repeatedly smokes, flickers, or the flame becomes too high as these indicate it is not burning properly. Cool, trim the wick, then check for drafts before relighting.
• NEVER use a candle as a nightlight.
• ALWAYS burn tea lights in or on a suitable, non-flammable holder on a heat resistant surface.
• Consider battery operated alternatives.
• Remember STOP, DROP and ROLL if clothing catches fire or use a blanket/rug to smother the flames.

Should a fire break out in the property, get out if safe to do so, stay out and dial 999 and ask for Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.

More accidental fires and fire injuries occur in the kitchen than anywhere else in the home. Follow our advice to help prevent a fire in the kitchen:

• Avoid leaving cooking unattended; if you have to leave the kitchen, turn the cooker off and take the saucepans off the heat.
• Don’t cook if you are tired, have been consuming alcohol or have taken medication that could make you drowsy.
• Keep flammable items such as oven mitts, tea towels, air fryers and cables away from the cooker top.
• Keep the oven and grill pan free from a build up of oils and grease.
• Never use a barbeque indoors; burning or smouldering fuel can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Supervise children and pets in the kitchen at all times; keep matches and saucepan handles out of reach.
• Make sure the cooker or hob is turned off when you have finished cooking.
• For those with impaired mobility/health conditions, consider using an electric hob/microwave instead of a gas hob due to the risk of naked flame.

Deep fat frying
It is much safer to use an electronically controlled deep fat fryer, however, if you continue to use a chip pan then follow this safety advice:

• NEVER fill the chip pan more than one third full of fat or oil.
• If the oil starts to smoke, it’s too hot; turn off the heat and leave to cool.
• Do not attempt to move a chip pan that is on fire or is smoking.
• NEVER throw water on an oil fire as this could create a fireball.

The gas industry is well regulated and gas is safe to use if managed properly. However, gas leaks can result in a fire or explosion. Incorrectly installed or poorly maintained gas appliances can produce poisonous Carbon Monoxide (CO).

To ensure your home is ‘Gas Safe’:

• Have all gas appliances serviced annually by a ‘Gas Safe’ registered engineer.
• Purchase gas appliances from a reputable supplier and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never attempt to ‘do it yourself’ on a gas installation.
• When purchasing or renting a property always check that any gas appliances have been suitably installed and serviced by a ‘Gas Safe’ registered engineer.
• Never block air vents as this could result in the build-up of CO in your home.
• Fit a CO alarm in any room with a gas appliance.
• Know how to turn your gas supply off in an emergency.

In the event of a gas leak:

• Shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve.
• Open all doors and windows for ventilation and go outside into fresh air.
• Do NOT operate any electrical equipment.
• Call the Gas Emergency Service (24hrs) freephone number on 0800 002 001.
• If feeling unwell, call 999 for an ambulance or go to your GP/A&E department.

Should a fire break out in the property, get out if safe to do so, stay out and dial 999 and ask for Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.

Charging and Storage

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging. Always use the approved charger and unplug when it’s finished charging.
• Don’t leave batteries to charge while you are asleep or away from the home and always charge in an area with a working smoke alarm.
• Don’t overload sockets and avoid using extension leads when charging.
• Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging.
• Check the battery and charger regularly for any signs of damage. If you suspect they are damaged, do not use, replace them instead.
• Do not overcharge your battery – check manufacturer’s instructions for charge times.
• Avoid storing or charging on escape routes.
• Avoid storing in excessively hot or cold areas.

Buying and Disposal

• Buy from reputable retailers and ensure they meet the required safety standards.
• If buying an e-bike conversion kit, check that it complies with the required safety standards.
• Register your product with the manufacturer to validate any warranties – batteries are usually included in warranties. Registering makes it easier for manufacturers to contact you in the event of safety or recall information.
• Check the local authority for suitable battery recycling arrangements in your area.

The number of people using e-cigarettes and vapes has increased dramatically in recent years and this rise has also seen an increase in safety concerns. They are sold with either single-use batteries or lithium-ion rechargeable batteries which have been known to fail, sometimes with an explosive force.

To avoid the dangers when using these, follow this advice:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully; battery capacities and charging voltages may differ so it’s important to check you are using the correct charger.
• Only purchase these items from reputable suppliers and ensure they have the appropriate safety marking.
• Ensure they are not left charging for long periods and don’t charge on flammable surfaces.
• NEVER leave e-cigarettes or vapes charging overnight or whilst you are out of the house.
• NEVER use e-cigarettes or vaping devices close to medical oxygen, emollient creams or airflow mattresses.
• NEVER use e-cigarettes or vaping devices that show signs of damage.
• NEVER charge or use a battery that has been dropped or shows signs of damage.
• NEVER modify or adapt these devices or their associated kits.

The winter months see an increase in the use of electric blankets. It’s important to use them with care so follow our fire safety advice:

• The Electrical Safety Council recommends that if your blanket is over 10 years old, you should consider disposing of it safely and buying a new one.
• If you are in any doubt about your electric blanket, then it is preferable to replace it with a brand new one.
• Only buy from a reputable supplier and always look out for required safety standards certification marks on the packaging and on the blanket.
• Do not keep the electric blanket switched on overnight unless it has a thermostatic control and is designed to be left on over this period.
• NEVER use the blanket if it is wet or damp and never switch it on to dry it out.
• Examine your electric blanket regularly for signs of wear or damage, such as scorch marks or discolouration areas on the fabric, worn or frayed fabric, or wires visible through the fabric.
• NEVER use an electric blanket if you have an air flow mattress.
• Store electric blankets flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring.

Fires in the home can be caused by faulty electrical appliances, plugs and cables but many occur due to misuse. Please follow this advice:

• Check all appliances, plugs, sockets and leads for damage such as scorch marks or exposed wiring and replace if any damage is found.
• Ensure electrical appliances are serviced by a qualified electrician/engineer as per manufacturer’s instructions.
• Always use the correct fuse.
• Always look for the relevant safety mark when buying electrical equipment.
• Always buy approved chargers for rechargeable devices; cheaper options may be unsafe.
• Switch off appliances at night or when leaving the home unless they are designed to be left on, e.g. fridges/freezers.
• Hair straighteners can get extremely hot. Switch off after use and leave to cool on a heat proof surface.
• Do not overcharge devices and always unplug before going to sleep.
• Do not charge devices on a flammable surface such as bedding as this increases the risk of fire spread.
• Never place heaters too close to combustible materials such as clothing, curtains or bedding.
• Never allow water to touch electrics – this can cause electrocution or fire.
• Don’t overload electrical sockets and use the link below for further information.

Use a Socket Calculator to check if you are being electrical safe.

Every year many fires are started by children playing with matches, resulting in serious injury or even death.

• Never let children play with matches or cigarette lighters.
• Teach children not to play with fire.
• Keep matches and lighters where children are not tempted to play with them.

Oxygen is colourless, odourless and tasteless and, when used correctly, it is safe and effective. However, if used incorrectly the consequences are significant which can prove fatal. With a small increase of oxygen in the air, it becomes easier to start a fire which will then burn hotter and more fiercely.

You can reduce the risk of having a fire by following these safety tips:

• Never smoke a cigarette or use an e-cigarette whilst on oxygen therapy or close to a patient using oxygen equipment.
• Never charge e-cigarettes or similar electronic devices around oxygen therapy equipment.
• Do not store or use oxygen equipment near sources of heat. It is recommended that oxygen should be kept a minimum of 3 metres away from any open flame, including gas and electric cookers.
• Turn off oxygen equipment when not in use.
• Consider installing a smoke alarm in any room where oxygen is used or stored.
• Ensure oxygen equipment is kept clean and well maintained.
• Store oxygen in a dry and well-ventilated area.
• Never attempt to repair or modify your oxygen equipment – follow the guidance provided by your oxygen supplier.

With an increase in the use of portable heaters, particularly during the colder months, it is vital the dangers associated with portable heaters are understood. Following the fire safety advice below will help keep you and your family safe from fire:

• Always follow the manufacturer’s operating and maintenance instructions.
• Be mindful that some heaters are not designed to be on for prolonged periods of time.
• It is recommended you plug the heater directly into a socket rather than an extension lead and unplug when not in use.
• Never leave portable heaters unattended, particularly when children or pets are nearby.
• Switch off heaters before going to sleep or when leaving your property.
• Do NOT sit or stand too close to heaters as clothing may catch fire.
• Do NOT dry clothes on portable heaters.
• Ensure there is at least one meter distance from any combustible materials such as furniture, bedding or curtains.
• Do NOT place portable heaters where they could be easily knocked over.
• Do NOT use flammable adhesives, cleaning fluids or aerosol sprays near a heater.
• Purchase heaters which conform to safety standards from reputable retailers.
• Regularly check heaters and cables for any damage/wear and tear.

Portable Gas Heaters

• Ensure good ventilation in the room where the heater is being used.
• Change cylinders in the open air if possible.
• If you suspect a leak, do not use the heater.
• Ensure the heater is serviced regularly by a qualified engineer.

Smoking is the number one cause of accidental fire deaths in the home. It is always preferable that you smoke outside the home but if this is not possible, following our safety tips below will help keep you and others safe from smoking related fires within your home:

• NEVER leave any smoking materials unattended.
• NEVER smoke in bed.
• NEVER smoke if you have taken medication that makes you feel drowsy or if you have consumed alcohol.
• Always use a suitable ashtray.
• Ensure smoking materials are completely extinguished before placing into a suitable container, e.g. a metal bin.
• Keep lighters, matches and smoking materials out of reach of children.
• Never smoke near, or whilst using, oxygen therapy equipment.
• Never smoke near an airflow mattress.
• Do not smoke near clothing, bedding or dressings which may be contaminated with emollient creams.
• If clothing or bedding catches fire, remember to STOP, DROP and ROLL or use a blanket/rug to smother the flames.
• Ensure there are working smoke alarms in your home which are tested regularly.

For anyone who has impaired mobility and cannot follow all of the advice above, please consider the use of smoking aprons and/or fire retardant bedding.

The sun’s rays can be magnified by a lens or magnifying mirror, so it is dangerous to leave glass objects like magnifying mirrors too close to windows, as they can concentrate the sun’s rays, causing nearby objects to set fire e.g. curtains, clothing, paper or furniture.

Follow these tips to stay safe from fire:

• Keep magnifying mirrors out of direct sunlight.
• Never put glass ornaments or paperweights on window sills or in direct sunlight.
• Make sure shaving or vanity mirrors are not left on window sills.
• Be aware of objects in your home such as mirrors, shaving or vanity mirrors that may be exposed to direct sunlight.

Airflow mattresses also known as air pressure mattresses (and overlays placed on top of standard mattresses) provide prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers (bedsores) for people who may be bedbound.

The mattresses are filled with air by a pump which will adjust the pressure according to the individual’s needs. As these mattresses contain pressurised air, they can be a fire risk if not handled safely. If punctured by a heat source, the escaping airflow could fuel a fire which would spread rapidly. The emergency battery backup may continue to pump air causing a fire to burn longer.

If anyone in your home uses an airflow mattress, you can help keep them safe by understanding and reducing the related fire risks:

• NEVER smoke in bed or near an airflow mattress.
• Keep ignition sources such as candles, incense sticks or oil burners away from the mattress.
• Keep fires and heaters away from the mattress.
• NEVER use an electric blanket on the mattress.
• Never place hot items such as hair dryers or hair straighteners on the mattress.
• Ensure that electrical equipment is well maintained and kept at a safe distance from the mattress.

In recent years, many people who have lost their lives in house fires have consumed excess alcohol. Alcohol significantly affects human behaviour so it is not surprising to find that it is a major contributing factor in fire related deaths and injuries. Therefore, if you have consumed alcohol you should take extra care and follow the advice below:

• Never smoke in bed; often clothing or bedding are the first items ignited which leaves the person in a particularly vulnerable position.
• Get into the habit of smoking outside; this will significantly reduce the likelihood of a fire starting in your home.
• The risk of accidents in the kitchen increases if you have been drinking; plan ahead to avoid the need to cook whilst under the influence of alcohol.
• Don’t take risks with portable heaters; make sure there is sufficient distance between the heater and any combustible materials.
• Many fire deaths, where alcohol is a contributing factor, involved people who live alone. If you have family or friends who live alone, pay them a visit and make sure their home is safe from fire.
• Alcohol may affect your judgement, therefore, don’t take risks tackling a fire, call 999.
• Ensure there are working smoke alarms in your home which are tested regularly.
• Know where your door keys are so you can escape quickly in the event of a fire.
• Know your bedtime routine which includes switching off electrics and closing doors.

Emollient creams are moisturisers that may contain products such as paraffin or mineral oils and may be used by those suffering from skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. We encourage their use as recommended by medical professionals and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Emollient creams are not flammable in isolation but regular use of these products can lead to them soaking into your clothing, bedding and bandages/dressings. In the presence of a naked flame, fabric with dried on emollient cream is easily ignited which may cause rapid fire growth, severe burns or even death.

If you use or you care for someone who needs emollient creams, lotions or gels, you can help keep them safe by understanding and reducing the related fire risks:

• NEVER smoke in bed.
• Do not smoke if there is any chance your clothing or dressings could be contaminated with these products.
• Do not cook with gas or electric hobs if there is any chance your clothing or dressings could be contaminated.
• Do not sit too close to any open fires, gas fires or halogen heaters.
• Avoid all other naked flames such as candles, lighters and matches.
• Wash your clothing and bedding frequently at the highest temperature recommended by the fabric care instructions. This should reduce some of the contamination but will not completely remove it.
• Remember STOP, DROP and ROLL if clothing catches fire or use a blanket/rug to smother the flames.

Hoarding is the accumulation of possessions in your home, sometimes in large quantities, which may increase the risk of a fire occurring. Such a fire may spread quickly and prove difficult for people living within the property to evacuate safely.

If you store large amounts of possessions in your home, you can help keep yourself safe by following this advice:

• Smoking materials should never be left unattended, a suitable ashtray should be used and cigarette butts always disposed of properly.
• Keep the area around the cooker clear.
• Do not have combustible items close to portable heaters or open fires/stoves.
• Candles and tea-lights should never be left unattended and should always be placed on a heat resistant holder away from flammable materials.
• Do not stack items to a height that they become unstable.
• Do not store gas cylinders in your home.
• Ensure that all internal doors can be closed.
• Plan and practise how to escape from your home if there is a fire.
• Ensure the escape route is kept clear.
• Make sure you have working smoke alarms and test them regularly.
• Consider a smoke alarm in your bedroom and the room where you spend most of your time.

If you, a family member or someone you know needs help or assistance with hoarding, we recommend you contact your GP or local Health Trust.

As the population lives longer, there is more emphasis on providing support and care in the community to allow people to remain independent for as long as possible. As a result, the number of people falling within NIFRS’ People at Risk categories will increase.

Some of the factors which make people more vulnerable to fire include living with the effects of old age (e.g. dementia), being a smoker, and increased use of alcohol.

You can improve the fire safety for those living alone by following this advice:

• Install a smoke alarm on all levels of your property. A working smoke alarm will give you vital time needed to escape a fire. Never remove the battery or take your alarm off its back plate unless it’s to replace the battery or install a new alarm.
• Take care when cooking, especially if you have been drinking alcohol. It’s better to install a heat alarm in your kitchen rather than a smoke alarm.
• Never overload electrical sockets; remember one plug per socket.
• Make a fire escape plan – know where you keep door keys at night and keep your escape routes clear.
• Have a bedtime routine – close inside doors at night to stop a fire from spreading, turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on and put out candles and cigarettes properly.

Useful Contacts

• Age NI
• Public Health Agency
• NIdirect
• Drugs and Alcohol NI
• Inspire
• Samaritans or Freephone Helpline number 116 123

Falls are the number one reason older people have to attend hospital. Most falls don’t cause serious injury, however, they may leave you distressed. Please follow the advice below to help reduce your risk of having a fall:

• Clean up spillages.
• Remove clutter, trailing wires and frayed carpets.
• Use non-slip mats, especially in the bathroom.
• Have good lighting around the home so you can see clearly.
• Organise your home so that climbing, stretching and bending is kept to a minimum.
• Wear slippers and shoes with a good grip.
• Be careful with loose-fitting or trailing clothes that may catch or trip you up.
• Be aware that the side effects of some medication may increase the chances of a fall.
• Have your eyesight tested regularly as this can deteriorate with age and may increase the chances of a fall.
• Consuming alcohol can lead to loss of co-ordination which may increase the risk of falls or accidents.
• Consider an additional handrail at any stairs/steps around your home.
• Doing regular activity such as walking can improve your strength and balance which, in turn, can help reduce your risk of having a fall.
• Speak to your GP should you wish to be referred to the Falls Prevention Team within your local Health Trust.

People can store hazardous goods in garages, cupboards and sheds, unaware of the dangers if they are not handled or stored correctly. If the substance is ignitable, corrosive, toxic or reactive, then it is hazardous. A large number of household chemicals and materials fit these categories, including paint, motor oil, antifreeze, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, cleaning agents, adhesives, arts and craft materials, aerosol cans and propane cylinders.

Safe use of hazardous substances:

• Only use as much product as you need.
• Properly ventilate the area by opening windows or go outside.
• Wear proper protective clothing, when necessary, like gloves, long sleeves and a mask.
• Don’t leave the product unattended- if you have to leave the area in the middle of a task, put the product away, take it with you or make it safe.
• Some household cleaners, e.g. chlorine bleach and ammonia cannot be used together as it forms a toxic gas.
• Never smoke or have naked flames near hazardous substances.
• When filling lawnmowers with fuel ensure you are in fresh air and not in a garage or shed and away from ignition sources.
• After using the substance, wash any part of your body that came into direct contact with it as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Safe storage of hazardous substances:

• Store hazardous substances by following the instructions on the label.
• Ensure the container used to store it is suitable and safe to contain it.
• Keep the contents locked up and out of reach of children.
• Never store hazardous substances near foodstuff or cooking utensils.
• If a substance leaks or is expired, you should dispose of it properly.
• Never pour substances down drains, follow the disposal advice on the label or take it to your local recycling centre who will dispose of it safely.

Useful contacts

• HSENI Helpline 0800 032 0121
• NI Direct

Think Fire Safe – Don’t Risk It…

The fire safety advice on our Student Safety page could help save your life.