Protecting your home against fire

Top tips for fire safety in your home

House fires can be caused by a number of different factors, including cooking accidents and faulty electrics. Here are some top tips to help you take precautions to protect your home and your family in case an accident occurs.

Smoke alarms

Safety approved smoke alarms should be fitted to each floor of your home
Never disconnect or remove batteries from your smoke alarm, even if it goes off accidentally
Consider a mains-powered smoke alarm as they don’t require batteries. They must be installed by a qualified electrician
If you live in large house or one that has several levels, you can install linked smoke alarms which will go off together if smoke is detected by just one of them
Your local fire station may offer a free fire safety visit and may even offer to install smoke alarms in your home for free
For more fire safety information please visit www.gov.uk/firekills

Safety In the kitchen

If you need to leave the kitchen while cooking, take pans off heat or turn the heat down
A build-up of fat and grease could ignite a fire so make sure your oven, hob and grill are all clean and in working order
Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob
If you have small children in your home, make sure pan handles are not within reach
If a pan does catch fire, don’t throw water over it
Turn off the heat if it’s safe to do so
Call the fire brigade on 999

Electrical fires

Electrical appliances conformity marking

Fires can be started by faulty electrical appliances
Any electrical appliance you use should have a British or European safety mark on it
Make sure this mark is on the appliance when you buy it
Check the right fuses are being used on appliances
Using the wrong fuse could cause overheating
If you use extension leads or adapters make sure you don’t overload them
Take note of the amp limit on any adapters used
Unplug electric blankets before going to bed
Make sure they are stored flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damage to the wiring

Plan an escape route

Should you ever need to evacuate your home, plan a safe escape route
Make sure your family know the safest way to get out of the house in the event of a fire
If doors or windows are locked, make sure everyone knows where the keys are
Never re-enter a building that’s on fire
Call the fire brigade on 999

Log Burners

Log burners should be professionally installed
Ensure your log burner is the minimum distance required away from potentially combustible materials as instructed by the manufacturers guide
You should install a carbon monoxide detector, as well as a smoke detector
Your log burner should be serviced annually in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations
Get your chimney swept regularly; this will remove soot, blockages and built-up creosote
Check the manufacturers guide for what fuel is appropriate to use – hardwoods, such as beech, ash, hickory or oak are the best fuel for a wood burning stove. Multi-fuel stoves can also use coal as fuel
Wood should be stored in a cool and dry location ideally indoors; if kept outdoors ensure it is either kept in a shed or covered by a tarp to protect it from moisture. Well-seasoned wood should have been dried for at least one year
Do not use treated wood because it can produce harmful gas emissions which may affect your health
Make sure any external ventilation drills are not blocked
Wait until ash is cold before removing it. Ashes are an extremely insulating material and can contain glowing pieces long after the log burner is put out

Furniture tips

Avoid leaving glass objects, such as bottles and vases, in areas where they can be directly hit by sunlight (e.g. on a window sill)
Keep all forms of mirrors out of direct sunlight (they can reflect light onto curtains, clothing, paper or furniture and causes fires)