Going on Holiday? Fire safety advice for the holidays

20 June 2019

With the summer holidays just around the corner, many of us will be counting down the days until we can escape for some much needed relaxation. Whether it’s a week in the sun, an adventure holiday or just time spent travelling to see family and friends, we all enjoy locking the front door and heading for a change of scenery.

If you’re going to be leaving your home or office unoccupied for more than just a few days over the summer period, it’s important to consider your fire safety and the steps that should be taken before you head off on your trip.

Before you go away:

• Turn off all gas appliances that are not required to be running while you are away.
• Turn off and unplug all electrical appliances also not needed whilst you are away.
• Turn off water at the mains. Water from a leaking pipe or overflowing from a cistern could short out electrical wiring and cause a fire.
• Close all internal doors. Then if a fire occurs, it should help contain it and cause less damage.
• Tell a relative, friend or neighbour that you are going away and leave a key with them if possible.
• Check your smoke alarms. Should anything happen this will be the first alert for your neighbours keeping an eye on the place.

Going on holiday should be a time of relaxation and fun so by taking just a few fire safety precautions before you head off on holiday your enjoyment should not be spoilt by an unwanted fire back home.

It is also worth considering your fire safety whilst on holiday too. Our blog post Keeping Safe During the Warm Weather is full of tips for keeping safe this summer from BBQs to campfires.

Even if you are travelling further afield and staying in hotels and apartments then it is always a good idea to check out the safety in your surroundings.

Whilst on Holiday

• When you arrive, walk your escape route(s) and find your final exit doors. Having a fire plan is even more important when you are in an unfamiliar place.
• Hotels and Apartments will have their own safety plan so make sure you are familiar with their procedures. Read the fire instructions displayed in your room and at reception.
• Check the position of fire alarm call points and fire-fighting equipment so you know where to find them in an emergency.
• Remember to ask where the assembly point is in case of fire, so people will know you are safely outside.

Why not prepare yourself with a list of things to consider before you leave for your holiday, make a holiday checklist and tick things off as you go, right up to the moment you lock the door. The security of your home or office is something that should never be forgotten.

If you have concerns and need advice on your Fire Safety call the WJ Fire team on 01420 476071 to arrange a meeting.