Please read this essential guide and follow the top tips TODAY to keep your home and family safe.

Fire Safety in the Home Leaflet

Did you know…?

• You’re four times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a smoke alarm that works
• Around half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents
• Two fires a day are started by candles
• Every six days someone dies from a fire caused by a cigarette
• About two fires a day are started by heaters
• Faulty electrics (appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets) cause around 6,000 fires in the home across the country every year

Do you have a working smoke alarm?

• Smoke alarms are cheap and easy to install – fit at least one on each level of your home
• If it is difficult for you to fit smoke alarms yourself, your local fire and rescue service will be happy to help you
• Test your smoke alarm at least once a month and change the battery when required, and at least once a year

 In the kitchen…

• Don’t leave pans unattended
• Keep children out of the kitchen when cooking
• Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order. A build up of fat and grease can ignite a fire
• Take care when cooking with hot oil – it sets alight easily.  If the oil starts to smoke – it’s too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool
• If a pan catches fire – turn off the heat if it’s safe to do so. Never throw water over it.

Electrics…

• Keep electrics (leads and appliances) away from water
• Try and keep to one plug per socket
• When charging electrical goods, use the right charger and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
• Don’t overload an extension lead or adaptor

Cigarettes & Candles…

• Stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully. Put them out. Right out!
• Never smoke in bed, and take extra care if you smoke when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs, or if you’ve been drinking, as you might fall asleep
• Use a proper ashtray which can’t tip over and is made of a material that won’t burn
• Don’t leave a lit cigarette, cigar or pipe lying around. They can easily fall over and start a fire
• Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach and consider buying child resistant lighters and match boxes
• 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 be kept away from lit candles

Plan your escape route…

• Think about your escape route in the event of a fire and make sure all members of your household know what it is
• Have a contingency plan in case your route is blocked
• Ensure your routes are kept clear and keep door and window keys where you can easily access them

In the event of a fire:

• Don’t waste time investigating what’s happened or rescuing valuables, keep calm and get everyone out as quickly as possible
• If there’s smoke, keep low where the air is clearer
• Before you open a door check if it’s warm. If it is, don’t open it – fire is on the other side
• Call 999 as soon as you’re clear of the building
• If you can’t get out, get everyone into one room, preferably with a window and a phone