SOMERSET NEWS: Be wary of doorstep salesmen selling fire extinguishers

FIREFIGHTERS are advising people to take care when approached by doorstep salespeople offering fire safety products.

Several people living in the Yeovil area have contacted the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to report callers offering to sell fire extinguishers for up to £200 each. Some of the residents had been given the false impression that they worked for the Fire Service.

Community safety manager Marc House, of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: “The Service does not knock on people’s doors offering to sell fire safety products. In fact, we offer free advice to anyone who calls our Freephone number 0800 05 02 999.

“These salespeople may be legitimate but I would advise people not to feel rushed into making a purchase if they are not sure and to make comparisons with other suppliers if they are concerned about the price or quality of the product.”

The Service advice if a fire starts in your home is to get everyone out as quickly as possible and dial 999. You may feel you are able to deal with it yourself, but if you are in any doubt, do not tackle the fire yourself.

If you choose to install and use fire extinguishers follow these guidelines:

1: Make sure that British Standards are conformed to and that it carries a Kitemark or British Approvals for Fire Equipment mark.

2: Do not place them over cookers, heaters or other extreme heat sources after one use it must be recharged.

3: Ensure you have your extinguishers regularly serviced by a qualified person.

4: Never use a fire extinguisher on a chip pan fire.

5: always check manufacturer’s operating instructions carefully.

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