Categories: Featured News, Safety

NFCC launches Stay Fire Safe campaign

Share this content

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

As the cost of living crisis worsens across the UK, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is launching the new national campaign ‘Stay Fire Safe‘ amid warnings there could be a sharp increase in accidental fires in the home.

The NFCC said it is concerned that the UK could see an increase in fire-related serious injuries – and potentially fatalities – as people try to find alternative ways to stay warm, light their homes and reduce energy as bills soar.

Th new campaign – supported by UK fire and rescue services – will provide vital information to help keep communities safe.

Accidental fires in the home caused by candles in England, year ending March 2022 totalled 940, the highest recorded in more than 10 years. Around a third of these fires resulted in death or injury.

The NFCC expressed concerns that these figures could rise as members of the public look at ways to deal with rising costs as inflation rates increase.

The campaign also shares advice on heating appliances, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, candles and electrical safety. A key area of the campaign is signposting to where additional help could be available.

Rick Hylton, NFCC’s Home Safety Chair commented: “We know there are going to be face additional hardships as we move into the colder months and we want to ensure advice is easily available. It is likely more people than ever before will need essential prevention advice as energy bills rise.

“The National Fire Chiefs Council has real concerns we could see an increase in fires which could easily lead to serious injuries or worse.

“It is entirely possible individuals and families who would never consider themselves as vulnerable in the home could move into that bracket, as they make changes at home – increasing their risk of fire.

“We absolutely acknowledge that many may be doing things differently as they face difficult decisions as the weather changes. We hope our new campaign will help to highlight the dangers, offer simple solutions and help keep loved ones safer in their homes.”

The NFCC is also calling on people to carry out an online home safety fire check for themselves and their loved ones.

This toolkit, which can be found here, provides vital fire safety advice which are personalised. And for those who are at a higher risk, local fire and rescue services can conduct home visits to provide additional help and support.

The NFCC said that tenants should also ensure their landlords – or housing providers – have installed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which is a legal obligation with further changes are coming into force at the start of October in parts of the UK.

Newsletter
Receive the latest breaking news straight to your inbox