Last month's tragic incineration of an entire residential tower block in London was undoubtedly down to a number of factors which, in hindsight should have been prevented. And many of us reading about the tragedy and watching news footage of it unfolding must have felt grateful that most of our accommodation appears to be less vulnerable. We may also have had the fleeting thought, what if?
A fire does not have to be massive to destroy everything in its path. A build up of smoke and intense heat can quickly make escape from the area very difficult. Exits become blocked, breathing is hard and people can quickly become disorientated even in their own homes. Instead of worrying about it happening in our homes, let's actually do everything possible to make sure it will not.
Most fires begin in the kitchen with something as simple as a hot pot boiling over or an oven glove brushing against a gas flame. Appliances can overheat or suffer a short and burst into flames. Chip pans can catch fire all too easily. If a match blows out before you have lit the gas, turn it off and wait a few minutes before trying again, so a high flame doesn't flare up.
All kitchens should have a suitable extinguisher, or fire blanket so, if a pan does ignite, put the lid on turn off the heat. Should none of these work, close doors and windows, get everyone out, and raise the alarm. Again, you do not want to be overcome by smoke.
Never throw water on a fire caused by an electrical appliance or hot fat. In the case of the former, to not touch it but try and turn off the mains, using something wooden, or made of rubber.
Follow all instructions for using microwave ovens and slow cookers, check food frequently while it cooks, especially when using gas, and don't leave toasters, grills or coffee machines unattended. It's scary how quickly a jammed toaster can blacken the toast and send flames soaring to the ceiling; or a kettle boil dry until the base or the element are literally red hot.
Faulty gadgets and white goods can burst into flames for no apparent reason, so make sure they are checked and serviced regularly. Another factor contributing to fires in a kitchen, and the rest of the house for that matter, is having too many appliances plugged into the same socket.
Several heating or entertainment items, using an adapter and all switched on at the same time can easily trigger an overload which could cause a fire. Never use an appliance that has the wrong for the socket or is not earthed.
All air-conditioners should have been serviced by now and, as most of them have been going into overdrive in past weeks, make regular checks to ensure they are running smoothly. And ensure any flammable substances and canisters in the garage are stored in the coolest space and well away from any direct sunlight.
Summertime outdoors is lovely, with tea lights, lanterns and strings of coloured bulbs throwing a romantic glow around and suppers grilling on the barbeque. But since the area around is as dry as a bone, take care that every candle is out and the charcoal well deactivated before packing up. A sudden breeze in the night could soon fan some flames.
Towards the end of summer review your heating systems, water heaters, wood and pellet burners, paraffin, gas and electric fires. Check flues and flexes, wicks, pipes, guards and chimneys. Remember the electric blankets as well. Check there is no wear or fraying because overheating or a faulty thermostat could set one alight in no time. And, those who still smoke in bed should know that a large percentage of domestic fires are the result falling asleep before putting a cigarette out properly.
Keep an eye on the whereabouts of all matches and lighters so they don't fall into the wrong hands. When the windows are open, make sure no small mirrors and glass ornaments are where they can catch the sun's rays directly. A fire can be started by the heat of the sun on glass and spread quite easily round a room.
Everyone at home should be aware of how easily fire spreads. Download standard safety procedures for what to do if there is a fire, or get advice from the Civil Protection Department. Then make a plan, based on the design of the home. Use step-by-step instructions, making it a game for the younger children. Practice a fire drill, twice a year, before summer and winter, to allow for the different scenarios at both times of year.
Smoke alarms really do save lives. But look at anything that may get in the way of a quick escape. Windows should be easy to open; shutters that close on the outside are cooler in summer but it could be difficult to open them in such an emergency. And metal window grills could also prove a danger. There are ways they can be fixed so they can be removed in an emergency and that would be worth considering.
On our islands insulation is not a big issue but are all furniture and furnishing fabrics subject to fire-proofing rules, as is the case in many countries; and if so is everyone sticking to those rules, including not selling any secondhand upholstered items that are not fully fire retardant?
If we cannot be sure of public buildings at least we can be certain our homes are well protected.