Follow these simple, inexpensive tips to prevent fires in your home. You can also get free advice from your local Fire and Rescue Service so, if a fire does break out, you and others can get out quickly and safely.

Fit a smoke alarm and test it regularly

• fit smoke alarms on each level of your home – it’s the simplest, single step you can take to cut the risk of dying from fire in your home
• test the batteries in your smoke alarm every week and change them every year - never remove them
• more about smoke alarms here

Take car when cooking

• more than half of accidental fires in the home start because of something to do with cooking
• take extra care when cooking with hot oil and don’t leave children alone in the kitchen when the hob or oven is on
• do not cook chips after a night out
• more about chip pan fires here

Plan an escape route and do bedtime checks

• plan a route to escape your home if there is a fire and make sure everyone in the house knows the plan
• if there’s a fire, don’t tackle it yourself – get out, stay out and call 999
• check for fire hazards in your home before you go to bed - it takes longer to become aware of a fire when you are asleep
• see ‘Planning a safe escape’ for more information about bedtime checks and making an escape plan
• more about planning your escape here

Don’t overload sockets

• try to keep to one plug per socket - too many electrical appliances plugged into one socket can overload it, which can lead to overheating
• electrical appliances, plugs and cables that are old or poorly wired can also be a real danger

Cigarettes put them right out

• more people die in fires caused by smoking than in fires caused by anything else
• always stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully
• more about smoking advice here

Use candles safely

• candles, decorative lights and decorations are a growing cause of fires
• make sure candles are secured in a stable holder and kept away from curtains, fabrics and paper
• always put candles out when you are leaving the room or going to bed
• more about candle safety here

Ask for a home visit from the Fire and Rescue Service

• many Fire and Rescue Services offer a free home fire safety visit to people living in their area
• they will inspect your home to help you spot any potential fire hazards and show you what to do to reduce or prevent the risk of fire
• they can also help you to develop an escape plan for your property
• more about home visits here
• find your local Fire and Rescue Service here