Fire safety advice in the home

Smoke alarms are a potential lifesaver. Fit them on every level of your home and test them regularly.

Hobs, ovens, and microwaves all have the potential to cause a fire. Keep them clean and in good working order - a build-up of fat and grease is a fire hazard. Keep tea towels, cloths, and curtains away from the cooker, hob, and electrics.

Keep kitchen equipment clean and free of debris, and keep a fire blanket in the kitchen. If you use a chip pan, never leave it unattended. In fact, consider replacing it with an electric deep-fat fryer or air fryer with a thermostatic cut-out. Never use water to extinguish a chip pan fire.

Always use a fireguard with a real fire and make sure it is secured in place, especially if you have children or pets. Only use seasoned dry logs or coal as fuel. Keep furniture at least one metre away from the fire to minimise the risk of ignition by stray embers. Never dry clothes in front of an open fire because they can easily catch alight. Have the chimney swept regularly (at least annually).

All upholstered furniture, whether bought new or second-hand, must meet home fire safety standards. This means the fillings and fabric have passed stringent safety tests. New furniture should come with fire safety advice on the label, which can be found under the cushions. Always check for the label before you buy.

Hot plugs or sockets, scorch marks, fuses that often blow, and flickering lights are all signs of loose wiring or other electrical problems. Make sure you use the right fuse for the right appliance to prevent overheating. If possible, try to keep to one plug per socket. Have your fixed electrics inspected and certified by a qualified electrician at least once every ten years.

Never use multi-point adapters. If you do need more sockets, have them fitted by a qualified electrician or use a proprietary ‘gang’ socket and make sure you have appropriate circuit breakers in place. Keep lamps well away from flammable materials and in locations where they can’t be easily knocked over. Check that new electrical appliances have a British or European safety mark before buying them.

Anything that smoulders, such as incense, or has a naked flame, like a candle or tealight, is a fire risk. If you do have candles or tealights in your home, always put them on a fireproof surface and don’t leave them unattended when burning.

Cigarettes must be extinguished in a suitable ashtray. Matches and lighters should be kept in a secure place away from children.

Clean fabric deposits and fluff from tumble dryers and filters regularly. Always allow the cooling cycle to complete.

A lot of the things people tend to store in garages and sheds - like lawnmower petrol, engine oil, paper and packaging for recycling, and tins of old paint - are potential fire hazards.

Reduce the risk by keeping these areas clear of clutter, obstructions, and anything that could cause or add fuel to a fire. Keep on top of your recycling and household rubbish and store it away from heat sources and electrical sockets.

Be prepared for emergencies by having an escape plan.

• Plan escape routes and make sure everyone knows how to escape
• Keep exits clear
• The best route is the normal way in and out of your home
• Think of a second route in case the first one is blocked, especially stairs
• Take a few minutes to practice your escape plan.

The Fire and Rescue Service will visit your home, free of charge, and recommend further fire safety tips based on your specific circumstances.

Whatever precautions you take, there’s always a risk that your home and possessions may be damaged or destroyed by an unexpected fire. That’s why it’s essential to be properly insured.