According to statistics from the directgov website, in 2006/7 there were 36,500 fires in the home. Many of these probably resulted in injury, maybe even loss of life and definitely loss of many valuable and irreplaceable belongings. In order to prevent fire in the home, there are a few tips that can be followed:

1. Fit smoke alarms in your house, preferable one on each level.
2. Test these smoke alarms regularly
3. Take care when cooking and never leave children alone in the kitchen
4. Ensure you put out your cigarettes properly
5. Do not have too many plugs in one socket
6. Do not light candles near material and never leave them unattended
7. Check your home before you go to bed to ensure nothing has been left on by mistake

Unfortunately though, fires are sometimes unavoidable. If a fire starts in your home it is important to have a few measures in place in order to minimize damage and ensure everyone’s safety:

1. Have a planned escape route for everyone in the house. Make sure this escape route includes a plan for incidences where the fire is blocking your usual path from the house.
2. Do not try to tackle the fire yourself, unless it is very small and you have the correct equipment such as a fire extinguisher or blanket.
3. Dial 999 immediately.
4. Try to ensure fire doors are closed, but do not do this if it puts you in danger.

If you do not have fire doors in your home, it is worth considering having them installed. Fire doors look like any other doors, but if a fire breaks out they are designed to slow the spread of the fire down. This means the fire is held back and contained for a certain amount of time and gives the emergency services to control the blaze. It also minimizes damage as the fire is contained to just one part of the building.

Fire doors are produced under the strictest regulations and therefore, if you buy from a respectable manufacturer you can be sure they will protect your home. You must ensure that the fire doors you buy are third party certified. This means that from start of the production process to the end you can be sure they have been manufactured to the highest standard and will work effectively.

Fire doors are now available in a wide range of designs and will fit in with any home. However, you must also ensure that your frame is replaced when having a fire door is fitted as this is also plays an important part if a fire was to break out. Similarly, if you choose a door that is not solid wood and has a part for glass, for example this must also come from a certified manufacturer. A decorative part of the door can create a weak point and make the door less effective, unless you ensure you buy from a trustworthy manufacturer.

So where can you find a trustworthy manufacturer? One of the most obvious places you might buy new doors from are builders merchants. However, in order to ensure they have the correct expertise to sell you a fire door, you can look for a sign to tell you they are a BWF approved fire door centre. Staff at a BWF approved fire door centre have undertaken training in key concepts of fire doors to ensure they are selling you products that will keep you safe. They will also undertake regular refresher courses and are required to stock everything for the installation of fire doors, which makes them a one stop shop when buying a fire door.

Fire safety is important not just for prevention of fires, but also containment if one breaks out. Be aware of fire risks and invest in fire alarms and fire doors so you can rest easy knowing you and your family are safe.

Sophie Potter is an expert in fire doors. For more information about fire doors visit http://www.emeralddoors.co.uk

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