02 Oct Courtney Green urges fire safety

We are urging all homeowners to ensure that they have a smoke alarm fitted after one of their properties recently suffered from a kitchen fire that caused extensive heat and smoke damage to the whole property.

Research from the Fire and Rescue Service shows that, inWest Sussex, accidents whilst cooking account for over half of all house fires. As such, Courtney Green is advising that, wherever possible, a smoke alarm is installed on each level of the home. In addition, Courtney Green has put together the following tip list to help residents reduce the risk of fire in their own home:

• Once fitted, it is important to carry out regular checks to ensure that a smoke alarm is working
• Be especially careful when cooking with hot oil
• Always have an escape route planned
• Switch off electrical appliances when not in use
• Try not to overload sockets
• Take extra care when using candles and tea lights and never leave them burning unattended
• Make sure cigarettes are completely out
• Try and make sure that internal doors are closed at night

Nick Courtney and Steven Greenfield, Directors of Courtney Green, commented: “The recent incident that we have experienced demonstrates the importance of having a working smoke alarm fitted. Despite the fact that nobody was hurt during the fire, this was still very distressing for the landlord and everyone involved. Fire spreads quickly and an alarm really does save lives making it an invaluable investment.”

Jackie Boyle, Community Fire Safety Officer for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, added: “The early warning to a fire that a working smoke alarm gives you is a proven life-saver. Not only does it give you that precious extra time to leave your home safely, it means an early 999 call can be made to us and our crews can get to you quickly and limit the damage to your home and possessions. For those meeting our eligibility criteria we offer a free home fire safety check including fitting smoke alarms if appropriate, simply call 0800 328 6487.”