Fire & Safety Fire safety: from shelf to home
Paul Rennie, product manager at Kidde Europe, explains the role of electrical wholesalers in helping to integrate fi re safety from shelf to home - and how it can save lives.
I
n the United Kingdom, a high percentage (93%) of the population owns a smoke alarm. However, according to
gov.uk data, more than one-fi ſt h of those surveyed admitted they had never tested them, which highlights a signifi cant gap in fi re safety knowledge across the UK.
Championing fi re safety
The imbalance between the installation of fi re prevention measures and the continued upkeep of them to ensure eff ectiveness is a critical issue. Electrical wholesalers, who serve as essential partners for tradespeople, particularly electricians, can play a pivotal role in addressing the problem. While the primary responsibility of electrical wholesalers is to supply smoke and heat alarms, they possess a unique opportunity to empower their customers with the necessary tools and knowledge to develop robust fi re safety plans for their homes. Beyond electricians ensuring the proper functioning of fi re safety systems, together, the industry can actively contribute to educating and engaging homeowners in safeguarding their lives and properties against the ever-present threat of fi re.
primary fi res compared to the previous year. Primary fi res are defi ned as those occurring in non- derelict buildings, vehicles, or outdoor structures, involving fatalities, casualties, rescues, or fi res attended by 5 or more pumping appliances. This surge in fi re incidents underscores the need for eff ective fi re safety measures to protect lives and properties across the country. With the increasing threat of fi res, it is essential to raise awareness and take proactive measures to ensure the safety of communities throughout the nation.
A call to action
The current situation highlights the fact that many people view the danger of fi res as a vague and distant threat. The most vulnerable segments of society are disproportionately aff ected by fi re deaths, with nearly 50% of fi re deaths among children under 16 involving those under the age of fi ve. These statistics emphasize the need to enhance fi re safety knowledge and measures for households with young children, requiring strong fi re protection measures.
Recent data further highlights the urgency of addressing this issue. In the year ending March 2023, the UK experienced a 5.1% increase in
16 | electrical wholesalerFebruary 2024
Creating a fi re safety plan It’s possible that households throughout the UK are underestimating the risks they face in their homes, overlooking common fi re ignition sources like candles, lighters, and other fl ammable materials.
This problem is compounded by the fact that many homes don’t have a well-structured fi re safety plan in place. The value of having a fi re safety plan cannot be overstated. It off ers clarity and direction in critical moments during a fi re emergency. It’s especially important to have a fi re safety plan because data shows that a small fl ame can turn into a large fi re in under 30 seconds, fi lling a home with black smoke and darkness in a matter of minutes.
This leaves little time for escape, and children may instinctively hide in danger, and rely on their instinct of self-preservation instead of trying to fi nd
their way out. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of at least two fi re exits in case the primary one is blocked by fi re or smoke, and to practice the fi re drill at least twice a year.
Using virtual tools to spread awareness Wholesalers are highly trusted professionals who can play a crucial role in guiding the industry, and homeowners, towards making informed decisions about their fi re safety measures. By acting as advocates for fi re safety, the electrical industry can contribute signifi cantly to raising awareness. One eff ective way for electrical wholesalers to achieve this is by collaborating with alarm providers who off er not just high-quality smoke and heat alarms but also comprehensive resources for homeowners, educating people on fi re safety plans and the proper use of alarms - including testing monthly for all residential alarms. Armed with these tools, wholesalers can promote and recommend fi re safety products and practices to customers.
At Kidde, we’ve developed a comprehensive
fi re safety toolkit, including a home escape plan worksheet, an engaging digital children’s book, and a catchy jingle that parents can enjoy with their children. No matter whether you choose us as a provider or not, we want to improve fi re safety knowledge across the UK. Children need change, and we’re here to provide resources that everyone can access.
ewnews.co.uk
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