Alarms |
Smoking |
Cooking |
Candles |
Sockets |
Escape |
You ’ re much less likely to escape a fire if you don ’ t have a smoke alarm that works . Fit one on every floor of your home and test it every week . There are a variety of different models to choose from . Your local fire service can give you advice on which one is best suited to your home . |
Every six days someone dies from a fire caused by a lit cigarette . Stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully - put them out , right out ! Take extra care if you smoke when you ’ re tired , taking prescription drugs , or if you ’ ve been drinking . You might fall asleep and set your bed or sofa on fire . |
Around half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents . Avoid cooking when under the influence of alcohol . Check toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls . Keep the oven , hob and grill clean and in good working order as a build up of fat and grease can ignite a fire . |
Two fires a day are started by candles in the UK . Make sure candles are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire , like curtains . Put candles out when you leave the room , and make sure they ’ re put out completely at night . Children and pets should never be left alone with lit candles . |
Faulty electrics ( appliances , wiring and overloaded sockets ) cause around 6,000 house fires across the country every year . An extension lead or adaptor will have a limit to how many amps it can take , so be careful not to overload them . Always use the official cable when charging gadgets - don ’ t be tempted to buy cheap imitations . |
Be prepared for fire by making a plan of escape . Make sure everyone knows how to escape and ensure exits are kept clear . The best route is the normal way in and out of your home , but think of a second route in case the first one is blocked . Take a few minutes to practise your escape plan and review your plan if the layout of your home changes . |