DUBLIN Fire Brigade have issued an urgent warning over a common warm weather mistake as we enter summer.
They confirmed that the simple mistake that most people make in their homes allows smoke and fire to spread “rapidly.”
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Taking to X formerly Twitter Dublin Fire Brigade advised people not to leave doors open while they sleep in an attempt to cool down.
This can allow fire and smoke to spread much quicker throughout your home.
They said: “The nights are warm and it is tempting to to leave doors open to keep rooms cool and help you sleep.
“An open door allows smoke and fire to spread rapidly. A closed door is the most effective way to stop the spread.
They added: “A working smoke alarm will give you an early warning to a fire.”
The HSE have issued some advice the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home.
They said: “A working smoke alarm buys you time by alerting you to the presence of smoke.
“This gives you a chance to escape from injury and potentially death.
“If your home catches fire, the smell of smoke will not wake you up. Inhaling smoke and other toxic gases can put you in a deeper sleep.”
They warned: “Brain death happens when the brain is deprived of oxygen for as little as three minutes.”
It is advised to fit a smoke alarm on each floor of your home.
This is a minimum it is also a good idea to install one in sleeping and living areas, particularly places where children or vulnerable people sleep.
The HSE advise fitting a smoke alarm in the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, bedrooms used by smokers, bedrooms with a television or other electrical appliances like a computer and the garage.
Heat sensors can also be placed in areas such as kitchens.
Other warnings
Dublin Fire Brigade have also issued a warning over a common household item during the sunny months.
They warned against leaving mirrors or other reflective or glass objects in windows or direct sunlight.
This is because mirrors or any other glass object, such as an ornament, that are curved, allow the glass to act as a lens.
When the sunlight hits it, it becomes concentrated and rays can bounce casting a reflection onto another surface.
If these rays are bounced onto something flammable – like curtains or soft furnishings – then a fire can start.
Dublin Fire Brigade warned: “Just a gentle reminder to remove mirrors, glasses, and vases from window ledges or anywhere they might be exposed to direct sunlight.
“They can cause fires if the sun is reflected onto a flammable surface.”