General Meeting: October 2023

Our October talk was given by Ben Groves and Lucy Fox from the Notts Fire & Rescue Service based at Beeston. They went through a large number of typical, everyday domestic fire issues. Although the issues were obvious, they still happen frequently in peoples homes.

Starting with Smoke Alarms. Should be tested Monthly (how many of us do?) Should be located in hallways – not in kitchens (again how many of us do?) You get the idea!

Electrical
Most fires start in the kitchen - good advice is “one socket per plug – no multiple adaptors.

Mobile phones
Never charge under pillows – which is often done at night.

Daisy chaining socket extensions
Not a good idea. 40% of their call-outs are in the kitchen – Their advice is “get out then call the Fire Service”

Washing and Drying machines
Should be on single plugs, not together on adaptors. All due to the amount of power they use (I plead guilty to that one). Keep wiping the filters.

Portable heaters
Keep away from clothes, etc. remember to switch off at night

Open Fires
Make sure it's out at night.

Emollient products – creams, oils etc.
Can get onto clothes – wash at low temperature. Never smoke around those products.

Smoking
Last cig before bed – have some water at hand / go outside.

Candles need to be in a container (glass, etc.) keep away from draughts. Blown out before bed.

Gas appliances
Service regularly

Keep doors closed (especially the kitchen).

Loft insulation
Fire Service can give advice on benefits and discounts.

Lithium Batteries (Very topical)
Never charge a scooter / bike in-doors. Needs a cool aired space. These batteries are small but very powerful and can go off dangerously.

The Fire Service can provide a lot of advice and special equipment (e.g. Deaf Alarms).

Quite a lengthy questions /answers to finish with. One of those speakers that doesn't look interesting on paper, but I think most of us could identify ourselves in some of the points made.

Eric Rennie