Fire

Every home is potentially vulnerable to a fire, and even a small fire can cause thousands of pounds of damage and endanger life. Every day in the UK over 150 homes suffer a fire, 1 person dies and more than 30 people are injured.

Awareness of the possible dangers can greatly reduce the risk of fire, and by following our checklist below, you will greatly reduce you and your family becoming another fire statistic.

Escape Plan

Plan how you and your family would get out of the house quickly and safely if a fire occurs. Make sure that everyone in the house is made aware of the escape route.

Smoke Detectors

Fit smoke detectors, and make sure they work. Smoke detectors can detect the earliest stages of a fire, and you should ensure that you have at least one fitted on each floor of your home. Regularly check battery levels and replace them once a year.

Children

Young children should never be left alone in the house. Matches and flammable material must be kept out of a child's reach, and all fires should have fireguards.

Chip Pans

Chip pans are one of the most common causes of fire in the home.

• Never fill a pan more than one-third full of fat or oil.
• Never put food in the pan if the oil begins to give off smoke. Turn off the heat and leave the oil to cool, otherwise it could catch fire.
• Never leave the pan unattended when the heat is switched on.
• If the pan does catch fire do not move it and NEVER throw water on it.
• If it does catch on fire, turn off the heat if it is safe to do so, but never lean over the pan to reach the cooker controls. Cover the pan with a damp cloth or damp tea towel and leave it to cool for at least 30 minutes.

Other Dangers in the Kitchen

• When working in the kitchen, never leave a saucepan unattended with the heat turned on.
• Always make sure that saucepans are in a safe position on the cooker, so that handles do not stick over the edge of the cooker. Also make sure the handles are not over a hot ring or burner.
• Ensure that flexes from electrical equipment, such as kettles and toasters, are kept well away from the cooker.
• Never dry tea towels over the cooker.
• Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket available.

Electrical Items

Faulty electrical wiring and appliances are a common cause of fire, so look out for warning signs of dangerous wiring:

• Fuses that blow for no obvious reason
• Lights flickering.
• Hot plugs and sockets
• Brown scorch marks on sockets and plugs
• You should ask your electricity board to check your wiring if you see any of the danger signs.

Overloading the socket can cause it to overheat and catch fire. Remember the rule: one socket, one plug. Always make sure your plugs and adaptors have the right fuse for the appliance you are using, - if in doubt, check with an approved electrician.

Some electrical appliances, such as video recorders, are designed to be left on all the time. All other electrical appliances should be switched off and unplugged when you are not using them - never leave them on overnight.

If possible, have your electricity consumer box fitted with a Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB). This means that if a fault develops on your wiring system then the electric supply will cut out.

Smoking

Cigarettes, cigars and pipes should always be firmly stubbed out in an ashtray - never leave a lit cigarette or pipe unattended. Do not smoke when feeling tired, to avoid the risk of a cigarette starting a fire if you fall asleep. Always keep matches and lighters well out of the reach of children.

Flammable liquids

Take special care when using and storing flammable liquids, such as methylated spirit, paints and adhesives, and avoid using and storing petrol in the home. These items should be kept in a secure container in a safe, tidy place, ideally in an outbuilding such as a shed.

Rubbish

Rubbish provides a natural fuel for fire, so regularly clear rubbish from attics, cupboards and other areas where it may build up.

Special Occasions

Special occasions can bring additional risks, such as party decorations, Christmas tree lights and barbecues.