Thursday 15th August 2024

Increased fire risks include:

Pets and electrical safety

Dangling wires, unsupervised charging devices, trailing cables and lights can lead to pets either playing with, chewing or tripping over them. To prevent fire risks, secure wires out of reach and avoid leaving devices charging where your pets can access them. Hair accessories such as curling tongs and straighteners can also easily be knocked from their heat mats by pets. Ensuring they are never left unsupervised when turned on is crucial. Also keeping out of reach and turning them off once finished with, is extremely important.

Pets and heaters or log fires

Portable heaters can easily get knocked over and open log fires can be caught whilst passing which can lead to a fire. Invest in a fire guard, never leave pets unattended near heat sources, and place portable heaters safely to reduce fire risks.

Pets and candles

Candles can be easily knocked over while lit, potentially causing fires. To prevent this, use battery-powered candles. If you light traditional candles, keep them out of your pets’ reach and always extinguish them before bedtime or leaving the house.

Dogs and ovens or hobs

Dogs, especially curious or energetic ones, can accidentally create dangerous situations in the kitchen. One common risk is that pets might bump into or play with oven and hob dials, accidentally turning them on. This can cause the stove to ignite, leading to a fire hazard, especially if there are flammable items nearby like dish towels, paper, or grease.  To prevent this, keep pets out of the kitchen while cooking or purchase stove knob covers.

Pet fire safety in the garden

Open fire pits and camp fires are a risk towards pets, alongside patio heaters which can be knocked over. Be especially careful with pets around BBQ’s as they may have the temptation to steal meat or fish which could lead to knocking over the BBQ. Keep pets away from these areas or have limited access within the garden to prevent this.

Install working smoke alarms

Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every floor of your home, including the basement and attic, to ensure you’re alerted to a fire as soon as it starts. By installing working smoke alarms on every floor of your home, you significantly increase your family’s chances of escaping safely in the event of a fire.

Regularly test smoke alarms

Testing your smoke alarms regularly is a vital part of maintaining home safety. Smoke alarms are only effective if they are in good working condition, and regular testing ensures that they can reliably alert you in the event of a fire. We can offer you help with our smoke alarm reminder service, reminding you via SMS or email at your chosen frequency to test your smoke alarms.

Pet fire safety escape plan

Develop a comprehensive fire escape plan that includes provisions for your pets. Ensure that every member of your household knows and regularly practices the plan, so they are prepared in an emergency.

Keep fire extinguishers and blankets handy

Have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket readily available for emergencies. A water or water mist extinguisher is ideal as they are pet-friendly, containing no harmful substances and leaving no residue.

Keep Hallways and Exits Clear

Ensure hallways and entrances are free of clutter, allowing a quick and safe escape in case of a fire. Facing obstacles whilst trying to escape during a fire can cause injuries and prevent escaping in some scenarios. This also helps firefighters easily access your home and rescue pets or family members inside.

Thursday 1st August 2024

Trauma kits are used when specialist equipment is required to help stop severe bleeding. Typically, in a trauma kit you will find specialist items such as haemostatic gauze which is a type of bandage that helps the blood start to clot quicker. A tourniquet is a device that is tied, then tightened, around a limb to slow down or even cut off the blood supply. Preventing an injured person from losing too much blood until the emergency services arrive and can take over. Chest seals are another type of bandage that has been developed for deep puncture wounds to the chest, neck and abdomen. A chest seal does not stop a wound from bleeding. Rather, it works to close off the wound to prevent air from entering the chest cavity. Many versions also have a vent mechanism to allow any air that’s already trapped in the chest to leave.

What is a catastrophic bleed?

This is an increasingly common ‘umbrella’ term for a life-threatening bleeds, arterial bleeds and non-compressible bleeds i.e. not controllable by ordinary means. A catastrophic bleed is when the bleeding is so severe that it is not possible to stop it with direct pressure. It usually occurs due to a damaged artery and someone can bleed to death in a matter of minutes. When dealing with a catastrophic bleed, stopping the bleeding takes priority over everything else – including CPR.

Trauma kits have been created in conjunction with medical professionals, counter terrorism officers and military experts. They contain specific products to help stop major bleeding allowing the first responder to treat major blood loss.

Martyn’s Law

After the Manchester arena bombing, Figen Murray the mother of Martyn Hett who tragically lost his life along with 21 others, has been campaigning to have better protection against terrorist attacks in public places. It is estimated that on that evening around 800 people were hurt, and 112 were hospitalised for their injuries. The legislation that is due to become law, requires that public venues are better equipped to deal with mass casualties. Part of the requirements will be to have trauma kits to help stop catastrophic bleeds. In the case of a terror attack, there tends to be a lot of casualties that can often overwhelm the emergency services. By having trauma kits on hand that can be used by anyone the hope is that more people will survive.

High risk work places

Trauma kits are also invaluable for certain high-risk industries such as agriculture, forestry, construction, wood working, and glass cutting. It is possible use some of the equipment yourself which would be especially good for lone workers. Our range of trauma kits come in different sizes depending on your requirements.