• Ensure fireworks meet the required safety standard and are marked accordingly.
• Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin and only use one at a time.
• Read the instructions carefully using a torch; never use a naked flame.
• Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper or a firework lighter.
• Stand well back and never return to a firework after it has been lit as it could explode.
• Never throw fireworks or put them in your pocket.
• Keep all pets and animals indoors.

Sparklers are often viewed as being harmless but they do burn at fierce temperatures.

• Never give sparklers to children under 5 years old.
• Always wear gloves with sparklers, preferably leather ones.
• Ensure children hold sparklers at arm’s length and an adult lights it for them.
• Never wave sparklers near someone else as you could burn them.
• When the sparkler has finished, put it into a bucket of cold water immediately.

If your child is wearing a fancy dress costume this Halloween, remember:

• Avoid using a naked flame or candle in pumpkins; use a torch, glow stick or battery operated candle.
• Keep children away from any naked flames, including sparklers.
• Be sure they know how to ‘Stop, Drop and Roll’ if their clothing catches fire.
• Choose a costume and mask that doesn’t restrict a child’s visibility.
• Wear woollen tights or ‘heavy’ trousers, e.g., jeans, and a woollen jumper under the costume.
• Ensure your children are supervised at all times.

Halloween can be an exciting time but also exposes us to risks which may result in accident/injury. Follow our simple tips to make Halloween safe for everyone:

• Remind children to be extra careful when near any roads.
• Choose a costume and mask that doesn’t restrict a child’s visibility.
• Provide children with a torch or glow stick as part of their costume.
• Avoid using a candle in pumpkins; use a torch or battery operated alternative.
• Halloween costumes can be flammable – check clothing for suitable safety marking, avoid naked flames and know how to ‘Stop, Drop and Roll’ if clothing catches fire.
• Ensure children are supervised at all times.

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 family or friends 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!

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 Tel: 0800 0320 121 or 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!

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.

Precautions with open fires and stoves:

• Do not overfill an open fire grate in case burning material falls out.
• Always use a spark guard and, if you have young children or pets, consider using a safety guard.
• Do not position furniture and clothing too close to the fire.
• Never use accelerants to help light your fire or stove.
• Never interrupt the air supply by blocking air vents or air bricks.
• Always have a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fuel burning appliance.
• Ensure fires or stoves are installed and serviced by competent engineers.
• Ensure you have all chimneys in your property swept at least once per year by a qualified person. This will help to:
  – eliminate the build-up of soot which can catch fire;
  – clear blockages such as nests, cobwebs and loose brickwork in the chimney;
  – prevent fumes from a blocked flue entering the room; and
  – identify if any remedial work is required on your chimney.

How do I know if I have a chimney fire?

• Embers falling down the chimney.
• Sparks, flames or excessive amounts of smoke visible from chimney top.
• A loud roaring noise.

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.

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 this Socket Calculator to check if you are being electrical safe.

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.

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.

We offer online Home Fire Safety Checks through Safelincs. This gives you tailored fire safety advice and lets us know if you would benefit from an in-person check.

Click here for more information.

Whether you are in the garden or out camping, follow these tips to barbecue safely and avoid injuries or damage from fire:

• Make sure your barbecue site is flat and away from fences, trees, sheds etc.
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case of emergencies.
• Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive the barbecue. Instead use firelighters or barbecue starter fuel on cold coals.
• Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area.
• NEVER leave a barbecue unattended.
• After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it.
• Make sure ashes are cool before disposal.
• For portable barbecues, make sure the area under it is cooled after use. This area stores a lot of heat which can cause severe burns.
• NEVER use a barbecue indoors.
• Remember, alcohol consumption increases the risk of accidents occurring.

Additional tips for gas barbecues:

• Make sure your barbecue is in good working order.
• Make sure the gas tap is turned off before changing the cylinder and always disconnect the cylinder in open air.
• When you have finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before you turn off the barbecue controls; this ensures any gas in the pipework will be exhausted.

Fires on board boats pose additional risks as they can escalate quickly to involve the entire boat and escape routes may be limited. To reduce the risk from fire please follow the advice below:

• Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and test them regularly.
• Fit an appropriate fire extinguisher in the engine compartment and the cockpit locker.
• Ensure gas appliances are installed and maintained by a qualified engineer.
• Ensure batteries are secure and battery boxes are vented.
• Take extra care with candles, smoking materials and when cooking.
• Take care when refuelling and clean up any spillage immediately.
• Know how to isolate gas and fuel supplies.
• Know where extinguishers, fire blankets, etc. are kept and how to use them.
• Prepare an emergency grab bag containing flares, VHF radio, handheld GPS, torch, spare batteries and drinking water.
• Ensure exits are clear from any obstructions.

If a fire occurs:

• Raise the alarm with emergency services and neighbouring craft.
• If safe to do so, isolate gas and fuel supplies.
• Utilise emergency grab bag.
• Do NOT open the engine panel.
• Only tackle a fire if it is safe to do so.
• Evacuate the boat to a place of safety such as a marina or neighbouring boat.
• Only abandon ship as a last resort ensuring all the crew are wearing lifejackets.

All bonfires have the potential to cause harm to people or damage to property and there is no such thing as a completely safe bonfire.

NIFRS has no enforcement power in relation to the size and location of bonfires and will therefore not carry out risk assessments of bonfires or bonfire sites. The ultimate responsibility lies with the landowner on which the bonfire is built.

To enhance public safety, any organiser or landowner should consider the following points:

• Consult and inform any neighbours prior to having a bonfire.
• Be careful what materials are used in the bonfire, for example:
  – damp material can cause excess smoke;
  – tyres and plastics can produce large amounts of toxic smoke; and
  – aerosols, cylinders and canisters may explode causing injury.
• Any bonfire should be built in a clear open space to reduce the likelihood of fire spread by radiated heat to buildings, oil tanks, trees, etc.
• Petrol, paraffin or accelerants should NEVER be used to light bonfires.
• Bonfires should be supervised at all times with onlookers maintaining a safe distance.
• Weather conditions – strong winds may carry embers a considerable distance.
• Cordons – strict cordons should be enforced to consider public safety if the bonfire collapses in a certain direction.

If you are attending a bonfire:

• Keep a safe distance from the fire and adhere to cordons and other guidance.
• Supervise children at all times.
• Keep pets and animals away from the fire.

At any sign of danger or in the event of an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service. If NIFRS is tasked to a bonfire related incident, it is because someone from the local community has a concern and requires assistance.

Whether you are heading off to a music festival or spending a weekend outdoors, please follow these simple guidelines to help keep your camping trip safe:

• Tents should ideally be pitched at least 6 metres apart from other tents.
• Never light candles or have anything else with a naked flame in or near to a tent.
• Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
• Always cook outside and well away from your tent.
• Don’t cook near flammable materials or long grass.
• Store flammable liquids or gas cylinders away from the tent.
• Never smoke inside a tent.
• It is essential you have an escape plan if your tent catches fire; be prepared to cut your way out.
• Make sure everyone knows what to do if their clothes catch fire; STOP, DROP and ROLL to put out the flames.
• Know the fire safety arrangements for the campsite.

Dry ground and vegetation in the summer means there is more risk of a fire starting. Follow these tips to reduce the likelihood of a wildfire starting in the countryside:

• Only use barbecues in a suitable area and never leave them unattended.
• Dispose of cigarette butts safely and ensure they are completely extinguished.
• Avoid lighting open fires.
• Don’t leave glass in woodland as sunlight shining through can start a fire.
• If you see a fire in the countryside report it immediately.

Many of the same rules about fire safety in the home also apply to caravans and mobile homes. Please be aware of the following safety advice:

• Park caravans and mobile homes at least 6 metres apart.
• Make a fire escape plan and ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.
• Keep escapes routes clear and make sure you can get out of a window if needed.
• Ensure you have a working smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarm and test them regularly.
• Consider having a fire extinguisher and fire blanket and know how to use them.
• Do not dry clothes on or near heaters.
• Ensure all appliances are serviced regularly by a qualified engineer.
• Turn gas off when not in use.
• Don’t overload sockets.
• Smoking inside can increase fire risk; smoking outside is advisable instead.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Be aware of the caravan site’s fire safety arrangements which will include advice on storage of gas cylinders.

Fire safety standards and fire evacuation procedures may be significantly different in other countries compared to the standards that you may be familiar with in Northern Ireland. When you arrive at your hotel or accommodation, you should plan how you and those you are with would evacuate if you discover a fire or if the fire alarm were to sound. You should familiarise yourself with the following:

• The fire instruction notice in your hotel room – usually located on the back of the door.
• Consider how you would leave the building by locating the nearest exit.
• Identify alternative exits to use if your nearest exit were to be blocked by fire.
• Walk the escape routes (including stairwells) from your room to familiarise yourself with them, ensure they are clear and lead to a safe place outside the building.
• Familiarise yourself with how to raise the alarm should you observe any symptoms of fire. This will normally be actuation of a break glass point.
• Rendezvous points – ensure all your family/party knows where to meet following an evacuation of your building.
• Do not ignore a sounding fire alarm.
• Do not re-enter the building in the event of a fire until advised it is safe to do so.
• If any of your party has mobility issues, inform management and consider requesting accommodation on the lower floor levels.
• If you are staying in a private rented property always ensure there are working smoke alarms and, where applicable, carbon monoxide alarms are fitted.
• Know the correct emergency telephone number to raise an alarm.
• If you have any concerns regarding fire safety of your accommodation, you should raise this with management immediately.

Should a fire break out in the property, get out if safe to do so, stay out and phone the relevant emergency service.

When the weather is warm, you may want to cool down in the water outdoors, but there are many hidden dangers that make some waterways unsafe for swimming.

• In the summer head to a lifeguarded beach, and swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Be aware that cold water can affect you physically and you can get ‘Cold Water Shock’.
• The water can also be deeper than you expect and often difficult to estimate the depth before you get in.
• There may be hidden currents.
• There may be hidden debris under the surface that you could get caught or tangled in.
• Before going into the water check to make sure that the conditions don’t exceed your ability. Swimming in open water is very different to swimming in a pool. Know your limits.
• When you enter, take a moment to acclimatise to the water temperature.
• Go with others and look out for each other. While you’re in make sure you have someone watching you and that they have a way to call for help.
• Wear a flotation device.
• Make sure your phone is charged so you can call for help if you come across anyone who needs it.
• If you see someone in difficulty in the water call for help, preferably a lifeguard if there is one nearby. Alternatively ring 999.

Many people accidentally drown in the UK each year and more than half of those people had no intention of entering the water.

What to do if someone falls into deep water:

• Call 999 to inform the emergency services. If you don’t have a phone, shout for help – but do not enter the water.
• Encourage the person in the water to try and float on their back and if there is
  rescue equipment nearby, throw it to them.
• Never enter the water to try and save someone. If you go into the water you are likely to suffer from cold water shock which will leave you unable to help, even if you are a strong swimmer.

What to do if YOU fall into deep water:

• If you fall into deep water, you should lie on your back and float.
• Fight the instinct to panic or swim- it’s better to just float.
• Lie back and keep your airways clear, push your stomach up and extend your limbs, moving hands and feet to help you float.
• Try to control the effects of cold water shock such as the gasping reflex. Once your breathing is controlled, call for help and, if possible, try making your way towards safety.

Don’t drink and drown:

• 20% of drowning victims have consumed alcohol before entering the water.
• Don’t let a night out end in tragedy; take a safe route home, away from water.
• Avoid walking near water even if the path is lit. You may not see trip hazards
  or even the water’s edge in the dark.
• If you’re with other people, stay with your group and don’t wander off if you become separated.

Safety advice for runners and walkers:

• Stick to proper pathways.
• Avoid walking or running near water in the dark.
• Don’t walk or run next to water if levels are high.
• Look out for trip or slip hazards – pay attention to your footing.
• When running or walking next to water, stay clear of the edges.

Download our Drowning Prevention flyer

Wildfires

NIFRS is called to deal with large numbers of fires in the countryside across Northern Ireland which can be a serious risk to lives, property and the environment. On occasions, these may escalate to a much larger fire, often referred to as a wildfire, which may have a significant impact on the environment and local wildlife.

We want everyone to enjoy the countryside and recommend following these safety tips to help stay safe from and prevent fires in the countryside:

• Extinguish all smoking materials properly and don’t dispose of them on the ground or out of car windows.
• Avoid lighting open fires in the countryside as these can easily get out of control.
• Don’t leave glass bottles in woodland or grassland – sunlight shining through the glass can start fires.
• Take glass bottles and all other litter home or place in a bin.
• Keep children away from lighters, matches and open fires.
• Only use barbeques in a suitable and safe area and never leave them unattended.
• Ensure barbeques are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of the contents.
• Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be extinguished with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.
• If you see a fire in the countryside, dial 999 and report it to the Fire & Rescue Service.
• If you see someone setting fires, report it to the PSNI.

Controlled Burning

• Should only be used when all other methods of land management have been exhausted.
• Must not occur between 15 April and 31 August as per DAERA regulations.
• Consider the risk of losing control of the fire due to weather conditions such as strong winds, as this may lead to a wildfire.

• Always dispose of smoking materials carefully.
• Never smoke near combustible materials.
• Ensure fuels, chemicals and hazardous materials are stored securely and clearly labelled.
• Clean machinery regularly to keep it free from hay, straw, oil and grease.
• Only carry out hot works such as welding or grinding in clear areas well away from any flammable substances or buildings used to store hay or straw.

Ensure escape routes are kept clear, carry a mobile phone when working alone and if you see a fire dial 999 immediately.

• When mixing slurry, ensure area is well ventilated.
• Always mix on a windy day.
• Do not stay in the shed and remove livestock prior to mixing.
• Replace slats when not in use.
• Repair/replace broken or loose slats.
• If an animal gets trapped in slurry, stop and think, don’t put you and your family at risk.

Slurry is heavier than air so will settle in a cloud over the top of the slurry during mixing – bending down into the gas cloud for even a few moments can lead to unconsciousness.

Get out, stay out and call the Fire & Rescue Service out.

Not all roads users will be aware of, or expect, slow moving vehicles or livestock on the road, so help improve rural road safety by:

• Taking care when pulling out of fields or gateways on to roads, especially concealed entrances.
• Be aware that mounted and trailed implements may swing out when turning and could cause injury or damage to other road users.
• Make sure you are easily seen by ensuring all lights are in good working order, including on any trailers or machinery.

• Help teach young people safe ways to navigate the farm environment.
• If using quad bikes or other similar vehicles, exercise extreme caution and always wear a helmet.
• During flooding, have plans in place to move animals to high ground.
• Look around your farm for areas where animals can get stuck – often minor repairs, such as fixing gates or slats, can prevent an animal from getting entrapped.

If you request NIFRS assistance please be mindful that we are duty bound to look after the health, safety and welfare of all involved, including animals. We therefore ask for your cooperation in resolving any incident be it fire or animal rescue related.

Help us help you, as we are all Safer Together!

For more information on farm safety visit www.hseni.gov.uk.