Fire safety and wood handling
With no fire brigade, the household must prevent fires, put out small ones fast and know when to leave. Wood heat also needs safe cutting, splitting and stove skills.
How
- Learn the PASS method for extinguishers: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze, Sweep. Read your own extinguisher's manual (safety-12).
- Learn the rule for when not to fight a fire: only tackle a small fire that is not spreading, with everyone leaving and a clear exit behind you. Most extinguishers empty in about 30 seconds; if it is not out by then, leave (Barrie Fire, Canada).
- Take CERT basic training where available (US), which includes fire safety; see continuity-21 for the community fire team.
- Chainsaw: get formal training before you use one. UK HSE expects anyone using a chainsaw on or in a tree to hold a certificate of competence, and recommends refresher training about every five years. Other countries have their own schemes; check yours.
- Learn safe stove lighting, loading and ash handling with the stove manual (safety-11), and firewood processing from continuity-13.
- Practise a fire drill and an evacuation from each room at least once a year (skills-18).
Safety: Never turn your back on a fire you have just put out; it can flare again. Wear the chainsaw protective clothing the course specifies.
Do these first
Sources
- Fire extinguishers. City of Barrie Fire and Emergency Service (Canada), accessed 2026-11
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), accessed 2026-11
- Work equipment: training and competence. UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), accessed 2026-11
- Tree work: estate workers. UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), accessed 2026-11
- Chainsaw training (FISA refresher scheme). Forestry England, accessed 2026-11