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MAKE YOUR NEW YEAR A SAFE ONE

As we approach the start of 2005, many of us will be thinking about the usual New Year resolutions. Research shows that the most popular choices are giving up smoking, losing weight and getting fitter.

However, Kent Fire and Rescue Service would like to suggest a new but vitally important one – making your home safe from the threat of fire.

Stuart Skilton, Head of Community Fire Safety, said: “We all make resolutions at this time of year but making your home a safer place is one you must stick to – it really is a lifetime investment for you and your family.�

Here are some tips to prevent fire before it starts.

• Decide in advance your emergency escape plan, which must include the young, old, infirm and any visitors your have to your home. Practice using the escape routes, especially in the dark.  Have an assembly point outside where everyone in the household knows to meet in the event of a fire. Make sure your escape routes are never blocked.

• Fit smoke alarms, ideally one on each floor. Test them weekly and vacuum every six months. Never remove batteries.
 
• Before going to bed, close all doors.
 
• Make sure keys are readily available to unlock external doors.

• Make sure any alternative ways out that you have identified are also able to be opened in an emergency.

• In the event of fire, get out, stay out and call the fire service out.

For more information, call the community fire safety team on 01622 698360 or log onto www.kent.fire-uk.org