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Save Safely

Save Safely

Fires cost. At best it’s smoke damage and a new appliance, at worst it’s your house or even your life. Here are our best tips to save money while staying safe at the same time. 

The cost of living is rising and people are…

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Summer Safety

Summer Safety

Summer is a busy period for our fire service so we're giving our best advice to help prevent incidents and help everyone to stay safe this summer.  

Our fire service usually sees a rise in wildfires in the summer and…

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Plate of barbecued skewers being offered to group of friends in the distance

Barbecue Safety

Every year the fire service are called to a number of fires that are started by barbecues. Barbecues can be dangerous if not handled responsibly, so it's important to keep safety in mind, especially when used around children and animals.  

If you're planning on having a barbecue, follow our advice to help keep everyone safe.

Disposable Barbecues 

  • Always place disposable barbecues on an even surface. You can use bricks or paving slabs positioned well away from the house, shed and fences
  • Follow the safety instructions provided and never use a barbecue indoors 
  • Make sure your disposable barbecue has cooled before putting it in the bin. Consider pouring water over it to make sure it's properly out
Sliced sausages on a disposable barbecue, set safely on a large concrete slab

Charcoal Barbecues 

  • Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue 
  • Stick to recognised fire lighters or starter fuel and only use them on cold coals 
  • Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin - they could melt the plastic and cause a fire
Coals burning in a kettle-shaped barbecue

Gas Barbeques 

  • Change cylinders outdoors or in a well ventilated area and make sure the tap is turned off
  • If you suspect a leak to the cylinder or pipe work, brush soapy water around the joints and watch for bubbles - tighten to fix but do not overtighten 
  • After cooking, turn the gas supply off first and then the barbecue control. This will stop any gas from leaking 
  • Store gas cylinders outside, away from direct sunlight and frost 
Stainless steel gas barbecue with a plate of barbecued food

Be carbon monoxide aware 

Never use fuel-burning devices such as disposable barbecues, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills inside a tent. They can give off fumes for hours after use, which can result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

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Essex County Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters

Kelvedon Park
Rivenhall
Witham
Essex
CM8 3HB

Emergencies: 999

HQ Tel: 01376 576000 HQ

Tel: 0300 3035555

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