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. |