Fire Safety
Fire Action Planner
Make an escape plan today and print it out with our interactive Fire Action Planner.
Fire Extinguishers & Fire Blankets
If there's a fire in your home, the best advice is to get out and stay out.
However, if it's safe to do so, you could tackle a fire as soon as it starts using a fire extinguisher.
Always make sure the fire brigade has been called first.
- Types of Fire Extinguishers
- Where Should I Keep Fire Extinguishers & Fire Blankets?
- Using Fire Extinguishers Safely
- Further Information
Types of Fire Extinguishers
All new fire extinguishers should meet British Safety Standards (BS EN3, 1996). They will be red with a coloured patch to show what type they are:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon dioxide extinguishers have a black patch with white writing. They are ideal for electrical fires and fires involving flammable liquids except on oil or fat pan fires.
Dry Powder
Dry powder extinguishers have a blue patch. They are safe for use on any type of fire (so long as you can keep yourself safe) except on oil or fat pan fires.
Water
Water extinguishers have a clear patch. They can be used on wood, paper or cloth. Never use water on an electrical fire, or on liquids or grease, or on oil or fat pan fires.
Foam
Foam extinguishers have a cream patch. They are very effective and are safe for general use except on electrical or oil or fat pan fires.
Fire blankets
Fire blankets are good to have in the kitchen. They can be used to smother oil or fat pan fires. If a person's clothes catch fire, they can be wrapped around the person until the flames go out.
Where Should I Keep Fire Extinguishers & Fire Blankets?
Keep your fire extinguishers where they can be reached easily in an emergency - on a low shelf, on the floor or in a special bracket fixed to the wall. Fire extinguishers are not toys and should be kept out of reach of young children.
Don't keep them over a cooker or a heater.
It's a good idea to keep a fire blanket in your kitchen, as well as a foam or dry powder extinguisher - most fires start in the kitchen.
Caravans and motor homes should have fire a fire blanket and a dry powder or foam extinguisher.
Using Fire Extinguishers Safely
Fighting fires is best left to the professionals - get everyone out safe and call the fire brigade. If you do decide to try and tackle a fire yourself:
- don't put yourself in danger
- always stand between the fire and the exit
- make sure you use the right type of extinguisher for the fire
- don't keep your fire extinguishers over the cooker or a heater
- read the instructions for using your extinguisher regularly
- even if it's only partially used, recharge or replace your extinguisher
- extinguishers must be serviced properly once a year
- never use a fire extinguisher on oil or fat pan fires - the jet from an extinguisher can force the burning oil or fat out of the pan. Use a fire blanket or a wet towel that's been wrung out.
- never throw water on a burning fat or oil pan - it will cause an explosion of burning liquid!
Further Information
For further information and advice on home fire safety, contact your local community fire and rescue service.
You can also download our information leaflet on smoke alarms:
