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A quick guide to fire safety

Following these simple tips will make your home safer from fire - and help you and those you live with to get out quickly and safely if a fire does occur. Use the additional bedtime checks every night to make sure everything is safe before you go to bed.

Top fire safety tips

  • fit smoke alarms on each level in your home
  • test the batteries in your smoke alarm every week and change them every year - never remove them at any other time
  • avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking - keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach
  • take care when cooking with hot oil - it can catch fire easily
  • don't overload electrical sockets - try and keep to one plug per socket
  • stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully
  • be careful with candles and make sure they are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire - like curtains
  • be prepared by making a plan of escape
  • don't tackle a fire yourself: leave it to the professionals - get out, stay out and call 999
  • make a bedtime check

Bedtime checks

There are certain checks you should make before going to bed. By following the simple steps below, you can reduce the fire risks around your home:

  • close inside doors at night to stop a fire from spreading
  • turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on - like your freezer
  • check your cooker is turned off
  • don't leave the washing machine on
  • turn heaters off and put up fireguards to protect open fires
  • put candles and cigarettes out properly
  • empty cooled contents of ashtrays into external bins
  • make sure exits are kept clear
  • keep door and window keys where someone can find them

For more in-depth advice on making your home safe and protecting your family from fire, follow the links below.

More useful links