A fire starting at night while you’re asleep means less warning to escape.
Your smoke alarms should wake you if a fire does break out – but you can further reduce your risk by carrying out these simple checks before you go to bed
Before going to bed, you can help keep your family safe by checking your home for potential fire hazards. This will only take a few minutes, but it can help keep everyone safe while you sleep.
Follow these simple bedtime checks to help keep your home safe.
Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances not designed to be left on overnight.
Stub out all cigarettes and always empty ashtrays. Pour water over cigarette ends and matches before putting them in the bin outside.
Put fireguards around open fires. Do not build-up the fire before you go to bed.
Switch off any portable heaters.
Switch off any electric blankets, unless it’s marked ‘suitable for all night use’.
Close all doors – it can keep your escape route free from smoke and may stop a fire spreading.
Make sure the main door keys are to hand.
Extinguish open flames such as candles, oil lamps, and incenses sticks.
Only use laptops and devices on hard surfaces so the air vents can let the heat escape. They should also be unplugged before bed.
Never charge your mobile phone while you are asleep, or charge it and leave under your pillow.
25% increase in confirmed “Theft of Gas” cases last year
Stealing gas/electricity adds an extra £50 to energy bills*
Britain’s gas distribution networks (GDN) have joined forces with Stay Energy Safe, (powered by Crimestoppers) to raise awareness of the dangers of the ‘Theft of Gas’.
A new hard-hitting video has been produced for the campaign, showing a father tampering with their gas meter and is about to put his whole family in danger. The video has been shared through social media channels with the aim to raise awareness and hopefully make the illegal practise socially unacceptable.
The campaign will run throughout the winter and is supported by the gas industry to help people understand the dangers of tampering with a gas meter, what to look for and how to report it anonymously if you suspect theft.
Dave Garner, Director of Safety at gas distribution network Cadent said: “We want to make gas theft socially unacceptable, regardless of circumstances or situation – safety always comes first.
“Theft of gas has been around for a long time. However, we have seen a 25% increase in confirmed cases of theft of gas in the past year. We are concerned that the increase is part of the cost-of-living challenges we are all facing.
“The fact is, it is dangerous to tamper with your gas meter and only a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer should work on a gas meter or gas pipes.
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities to bring this vital campaign to the forefront of everybody’s minds.”
What to look out for:
A gas meter should be flush against a hard surface with the on/off handle on the left-hand side. There should be a gas pipe coming from outside into the gas meter and one pipe going into the property and its appliances. If you see anything different from this, it could be that the meter has been tampered with and they are trying to steal gas.
Who to call:
Call the Stay Energy Safe service free on 0800 023 2777 or fill in the simple online form at www.stayenergysafe.co.uk. You can remain 100% anonymous.
Mark Loveday from Retail Energy Code Company, the not-for-profit organisation that owns and manages the key rules for operating in the GB retail energy market, and works with the energy industry to reduce energy theft, said: “The industry has seen an increase in reports of suspected gas theft over the years. Stay Energy Safe received 2,916 reports between April 2023 and March 2024. This figure has increased by 46% compared to April 2021 – March 2022.
“These figures are concerning, and we encourage people, ‘If you suspect it, report it 100% anonymously to Stay Energy Safe’. Gas meter tampering takes lives and it’s not worth it.”
In addition, all GDNs are reinforcing the dangers and signs of gas theft to its engineers during the campaign. They’re reminding colleagues of the issues to spot when working in the community to help identify any theft and keep the public safe.
According to a new eye-opening survey from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)*, there is a worrying misconception among parents that a baby bath seat is a safety device.
The survey showed that almost three quarters of parents (72%) believe a baby bath seat is designed to keep a baby safe. This is not the case. Research published in RLSS UK’s Child Drowning Update (2019-2023) revealed that out of ten children under one that drowned in the bath, seven were using a baby bath seat.
Figures also revealed that 88% of parents have used a baby bath seat, and almost two-thirds (64%) of those with children under one currently do so. RLSS UK is therefore working to increase parents’ understanding of the purpose of baby bath seats to help promote safer bathtimes for all families.
Matt Croxall, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “We find it heartbreaking to learn that child drownings in the bath are continuing to take place – and it is concerning to learn that in many of these instances, there was a bath seat involved.
“Seeking to shed light on the major misconception that bath seats can be used as a safety device, we want to educate more families to be aware of the risks, so they are able to stay safe.
“Of ten infants that drowned in the bath in the last four years, seven were using a bath seat. Regardless of whether you are using a bath seat during bathtime, we always advise parents and carers to keep young children within arm’s reach in water. And if you do need to leave the bathroom at all, take the child with you. Whilst bath seats can provide support for your baby during bath time, bath seats are not a safety device.”
Splash Safety in Bath Seats forms part of RLSS UK’s brand-new campaign, Splash Safety at your Pad, which seeks to raise awareness among parents and carers of young children about the importance of water safety when at home, with a particular focus on bathtime.
Matt added: “In response to these tragic findings, we are pleased to introduce our educational Splash Safety at your Pad campaign, which aims to share important water safety messages with families across the UK and Ireland in a fun and engaging way.
“We hope this campaign has a positive impact on families with young ones and makes all the difference.”
Vital key safety advice when bathing your child:
Children should always be within arm’s reach – regardless of using a baby bath seat.
Get everything you need ready to go before filling the bath – from towels to pyjamas.
Avoid distractions and leave your phone outside the bathroom.
Check that the water has fully drained after emptying the water in the bath.
When not in use, keep the plug and toys out of reach and shut the bathroom door to limit children’s access without a grown-up.
*Consumer survey (September 2024), geographically representative sample of n=1,003 parents of children under five years from across the UK.
For more information around RLSS UK’s 2024 Child Drowning Update, please visit our website: www.rlss.org.uk/splash-safety
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has published a Child Drowning Update for 2024 which highlights that in the last four years, on average, at least one child a month drowned at home in England.
This shocking statistic follows earlier findings from the charity, which used data from the National Child Morality Database (NCMD), underlining that child drowning deaths in England have doubled since 2019-20.
Matt Croxall, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “We find it heartbreaking to learn that one child a month is drowning at home.
“In a bid to reduce the number of young lives lost, our latest report seeks to help shed light on the factors contributing to child drownings, so that we can help more families be aware of the risks and stay safe.”
The report highlights that 2 out of 3 drownings that occurred at home did so in the bath, and that most of the children affected were aged under five.
Matt added: “In 86% of child drownings, the child was unsupervised by an adult at the time of the incident. In some cases of bath drownings, the parent had only left the bathroom for a moment, and this emphasises just how quickly and silently a child can drown – in a matter of minutes.”
RLSS UK is keen to change the misconception held by 55% of parents, according to a new survey from the charity*, who believe that they would hear thrashing and a lot of noise if their child was struggling in the bath – which is not the case.
RLSS UK’s survey also revealed that 59% of parents of children under five said they had left the bathroom at least once in the last month whilst their child was in the bath – and for most, this was down to them forgetting something, such as a towel.
Matt continued: “We always advise parents and carers to keep young children within arm’s reach in water. And if you do need to leave the bathroom at all, take the child with you.”
In response to these findings and to dispel harmful myths around bathtime, RLSS UK is launching a brand-new campaign, Splash Safety at your Pad, which will run from 1-31 October 2024.
The campaign seeks to raise awareness among parents and carers of young children about the importance of water safety when at home, with a particular focus on bathtime. As leading experts in water safety education, RLSS UK will share hints and tips to help families enjoy water safely.
Matt said: “We are pleased to introduce our Splash Safety at your Pad campaign, which aims to share important water safety messages with families across the UK and Ireland in a fun and engaging way. We hope this campaign has a positive impact on families with young ones and can help promote fun and safe bathtimes for all children.
“Splash Safety at your Pad launched on Tuesday 1 October so keep your eyes peeled on our social channels for more!”
*Consumer survey (September 2024), geographically representative sample of n=1,003 parents of children under five years from across the UK.
For more information around RLSS UK’s 2024 Child Drowning Update, please visit our website: www.rlss.org.uk/splash-safety
For more information or media enquiries, please contact Simrit Mann by emailing simritmann@rlss.org.uk or calling 07890 900 508.
New UK research reveals that nearly one in ten fireplace users leave it years before sweeping their chimneys putting their homes at risk of catching fire. One owner said, “I’m not sure how often I should have it done.”
The findings from HETAS come during the not-for-profit organisation’s Chimney Fire Safety Week (CFSW), an annual, national campaign in partnership with Fire Kills, industry, and Fire and Rescue services to promote positive safety messages to consumers.
In 2023/2024 there were 2,126 chimney fires in England, accounting for 1.5% of the total fires in the country. While chimney fires are steadily decreasing, there are now more than 1.5 million wood burners in the UK, with around 200,000 sold each year. Last year a Midlands fire brigade reported a 240% increase in these types of fires mainly due to people ‘not bothering to have their chimneys swept.’
Industry advice is for chimneys to be swept at least twice a year if you burn wood, and at least once every 12 months if you use smokeless fuels, regardless of what type of chimney you have and even if it is lined. The right fuel should be used, with wood containing 20% or less moisture, and appliances should be installed and regularly maintained correctly.
The new data from HETAS, an independent organisation promoting a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment, working with Government and industry experts, found that a shocking 41% of owners have never had their appliance serviced. Some owners are ‘doing it myself’ when needed, while others do not believe that their stove needs servicing.
Bruce Allen, CEO of HETAS said: “The best time to get your chimney swept and your appliance maintained is just before the start of the heating season in September, alternatively after your stove has not been used for a prolonged period.
“This is even more important after the long wet summer we have had, and to remember that stove and chimney maintenance is an essential and responsible part of ownership.”
People are also ‘doing it themselves’ when it comes to sourcing fuel for their wood burner, according to the HETAS findings. A high 63% of those who said that they source their fuel from places outside of retailers, garages, farm shops or social media sites, said they produce their own firewood by cutting down their trees or collecting it from woodland.
Bruce continues: “There are strict government regulations in place (in England) which dictate that wood sold in volumes under 2m³ is ‘Ready To Burn’ certified to ensure that it has a moisture content of 20% or less and that Manufactured Solid Fuels contain less than 2% sulphur content.
“We found that there is still a small percentage of consumers, over one in 10 who still don’t check if their fuel is certified or only check sometimes. This appeared to be the same when assessing what appliance to buy. Over 40% either don’t have or aren’t verifying that their wood burner is a ‘Cleaner Choice’ certified stove which means it burns clean and low carbon fuels and is therefore better for the public and the environment.
“If you’re obtaining fuel from a non-certified source, check that it adheres to the right moisture levels and that any appliance bought since 1st January 2022 complies to Ecodesign regulations.
“When used correctly and with the appropriate fuels and maintenance routine, a solid fuel stove can be an excellent source of heat for the home – one that reduces your risk of a fine, and prevents a build-up of creosote deposits in the flue which can lead to a chimney fire.”
Following a potential influx of toys and gadgets into people’s homes after Christmas, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is reminding people of the dangers of button batteries.
While toys are required to have a secure compartment for button batteries, other items like electronic car keys, novelties and light up accessories are not. And after the UK has seen some tragic deaths and injuries in recent years, there has never been a more important time to learn about the dangers.
What are the dangers of button batteries?
When mixed with saliva, live or dead batteries release caustic soda which can easily burn through flesh.
This can burn through organs, such as from the oesophagus to the heart.
It can cause catastrophic internal bleeding, and a child might not always be able to articulate how they are feeling or that they have ingested one.
Children are particularly at risk due to having a smaller digestive tract which makes it more likely button batteries can get lodged.
If a parent or carer suspects their child has swallowed a button battery, get immediate medical attention.
What are some of the signs to look out for?
-Suddenly developing a cough, gagging or drooling a lot
– Being sick and having an upset stomach
– Pointing to their throat or stomach
– Having tummy, chest or throat pain
-Being quiet or more clingy than usual
– Having a reduced appetite and not wanting to eat.
Phillip LeShirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said:“The dangers posed by button batteries should not be underestimated, and RoSPA welcomes the news that Standards for Toys have been strengthened recently to reduce further the risks that button batteries pose.
“We are advising parents to be mindful that it is not just toys that contain button batteries, and to be extra vigilant.”
Carbon Monoxide Awareness week runs 20 – 26 November
RoSPA: Carbon monoxide is a silent killer that can cause symptoms mistaken for other ailments like headaches and the flu
Awareness and having carbon monoxide alarm(s) is key to reducing accidents
This Carbon Monoxide Week, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued a stark warning to be aware of the dangers of the silent killer that causes over 4000 A&E visits and 440 hospital admissions a year in England alone.
According to RoSPA, carbon monoxide poisoning is an underdiagnosed problem in the UK, with the signs and symptoms of low-level carbon monoxide toxicity confused for other ailments like headache, nausea, flushing, the flu, muscle pain, food poisoning and depression.
Poisoning is more prevalent in the winter months, likely related to the increased indoor use of heating and other devices which are common sources of carbon monoxide, such as incorrectly installed fuel-burning appliances, blocked chimneys, gas ovens inappropriately used for heating, and barbecues or gas stoves used in enclosed spaces.
What to do if you are exposed to carbon monoxide
If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds or you believe there to be a leak (unignited gas does not contain carbon monoxide):
stop using all appliances and evacuate the property immediately
call the relevant National Gas Emergency Service number to report the incident or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Gas Safety Advice Line on 0800 300 363
do not go back into the property (wait for advice from the emergency services)
get immediate medical help.
If you think you have been exposed to carbon monoxide and feel unwell or are worried call NHS 111, contact your GP or in an emergency contact emergency services on 999.
The relevant National Gas Emergency Service number you need depends on where in the UK you’re based and the type of gas that’s involved:
Country
Natural Gas (NG)
Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Towns Gas/Mains Gas**
England, Wales and Scotland
0800 111 999
Contact number on bulk storage vessel or meter*
N/A
Northern Ireland
0800 002 001
Contact number on bulk storage vessel or meter*
N/A
Isle of Man
0808 1624 444
0808 1624 444
0808 1624 444
Guernsey
N/A
01481 749000
01481 749000
Jersey
N/A
01534 755555
01534 755555
Phil Le Shirley, Public Safety Advisor at RoSPA said:“With the colder months almost upon us and more people using fuel-burning appliances, it’s vital to be aware that carbon monoxide poisoning is silent and can often be confused with other ailments like a headache, nausea, flushing, the flu, muscle pain, food poisoning and depression.
“Carbon monoxide is colourless, tasteless and odourless, so it is essential that you fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm that meets British or European Standards (BS Kitemark or EN 50291).
“We recommend testing the alarm at least once a week, changing the batteries regularly and replacing the whole alarm before its expiration date.
“Finally, if you’re camping or caravanning, irrespective of how cold or rainy it gets, ensure that there is adequate ventilation when using fuel-burning products and always have a carbon monoxide alarm with you.”
Phil went on to describe what you should do depending on the type of fuel appliance you have at home:“We recommend only using a qualified Gas Safe engineer to install gas boilers and appliances and advise that they are serviced annually by Gas Safe approved technicians.
“Solid fuel appliances should be installed and serviced annually by a qualified HETAS engineer, and chimneys and flues should be kept clean by being swept from top to bottom at least once a year by a qualified chimney sweep and should not be blocked.”
“It is also advised that oil heaters should be installed and serviced annually by a qualified OFTEC engineer.”
For further information on carbon monoxide, please visit RoSPA’s carbon monoxide pages.
Whether setting up spooky decorations, lighting up the home or arranging a haunted house, following electrical safety precautions this Halloween is essential.
To ensure no one receives a spooky electric shock, NICEIC – the UK’s leading body for certified electrical businesses – is warning homeowners to stay safe and mindful when dealing with electricals this eerie season.
As homeowners prepare for the most terrifying night of the year, Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, shares his top five tips on avoiding a house of horrors this Halloween:
Set up Safely: before setting up a scary display, take into account the number of electrical socket-outlets needed and be sure to not overload them. Overloading can lead to overheating, which can cause electrical fires
Professional Help: if you’re planning an over-the-top display, extra socket-outlets may be required, therefore, it is vital that a certified electrical business is employed to complete the work safely and to required standards
Observe Decorations: when recovering ghostly decorations from storage, be sure to inspect them for any frayed or damaged cables. Play it safe and always replace any faulty items
Outdoor Safety: if planning to light up the garden or outdoor space, be sure to use weatherproof decorations that are specifically designed for outdoor use. It’s important to make sure all electrical equipment being used is protected by using a residual current device (RCD), which automatically cuts off the electricity if a fault is discovered
Keep Children Educated: teach children about the importance of electrical safety during Halloween. Make sure they understand not to touch or tamper with electrical decorations or cables
For further information or to search for your nearest NICEIC Certified electrical business, visit www.niceic.com.
