Turn off before you turn in!

We have a new business plan that’s guiding what we’re doing to make our services the best they can be. One of the plan’s priorities is to ensure our customers’ homes are safe so we’re sharing this message from our local fire service to give you some tips about reducing the risk of fire in your home.

Crew Manager Simon Robinson from Newcastle Fire Station wants you to know how important it is to have a bedtime routine that makes sure your home is safe before you turn in for the night. 

Simon told us: “In 2021, there were 139 accidental dwelling fires in the Newcastle area. Many of these occurred when people were at their most vulnerable, during the night, and that’s why it’s important to have a bedtime routine to reduce the likelihood of a fire occurring and an emergency plan so everyone in the house knows what to do if there is a fire.”

Bedtime routine

• Check your cooker and heaters are off
• Don’t use a washing machine/tumble drier overnight
• Turn off all electrical appliances that don’t need to be on
• Don’t charge mobile phones/computers overnight
• Make sure door and window keys are easily accessible to everyone
• Make sure exit routes are clear of obstructions
• Keep a phone next to your bed
• CLOSE ALL DOORS

Emergency plan

If there is a fire in your home, get out – stay out – get the fire service out

If your exit is blocked by fire:

• Get everyone into one room and close the door
• Block the bottom of the door with towels/bedsheets/clothing
• Open windows wide into fresh air
• Call the fire service and tell them where you are

Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do and how to get out of the building if there is a fire.  If you don’t know, or are worried about how you would manage, contact us so we can give you some advice. 

You can get advice from the Fire and Rescue Service by visiting www.twfire.gov.uk/safety-advice/ or find out more about how we keep your home safe by visiting https://www.yhn.org.uk/fire-safety

In an emergency such as a fire, you should always call 999.