Fire safety

There is always a risk of fire in the home, so ensuring you have taken the relevant precautions is important. It could save your life.

We recommend that you do a full household fire safety and prevention check every six months, by following these steps:

• Check and clean the smoke alarm
• Check and clean the carbon monoxide alarm
• Check flexes and cables for any exposed wires. If there are any problems, contact an electrician
• Check the fuse box for any black residue – this indicates overheating. Always get a qualified electrician to come round if there are any problems
• Check the date on the household fire extinguisher and fire blanket
• Check the power sockets have not been overloaded
• Keep all flammable liquids in a fire-proof box in the shed/garage

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Choosing the correct alarm is very important. When you buy one, make sure it meets the British Standard BS 5446 Part 1 and carries the well-known Kite mark.

For maximum protection, fit an alarm in every room of your home, apart from the kitchen, bathroom and garage. You can assess how many alarms to put in your home by the size and layout, for example, if you live on one floor, one smoke alarm may be sufficient.

Smoke alarms should be screwed to the ceiling and should be fitted at least 30 centimetres (12 inches) away from any wall or light fitting and as close to the centre of the room as possible. Make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions first.

Carry out an alarm safety check once a month by pressing the test button. You should also replace the battery once a year and vacuum and wipe the smoke alarm casing to ensure dust isn't blocking the sensor chamber. If the alarm is mains powered, switch it off first.

Chip pans

Chip pans can be very dangerous. If you do use a chip pan, buy a fire blanket first. Never leave a chip pan unattended and always dry the pan first in a tea towel before you put it into the oil. If you have a basket, put the food in the basket and slowly lower it into the oil.

Never fill the chip pan more than one-third full of fat or oil, as it could spill over when you add food and catch fire.

Never put food into the pan if the oil is giving off smoke as this means it's too hot. If you add food to overheated oil, it could make the pan spill over and catch fire. Always turn the pan off and let the oil cool.

What to do if the pan catches fire

If the pan does catch fire:

• Stay calm and don't panic
• Try to turn off the heat if it is safe to do so
• Run a cloth under a tap and wring it out
• Cover the pan with the damp cloth and leave it to cool completely – for at least half an hour
• Never throw water over a chip pan fire as this will create a fire ball. Don't move the pan until it has cooled
• If you feel you can't handle the fire, get out, shut the door and phone 999

Fire escape plan

Always have a fire escape plan in place and ensure the whole family knows about it and practices the route once every three months. If you live in a house where the upstairs windows are high above the floor, buy a fire escape rope ladder that you can fit to most windows to help you to escape.

Make sure the route is simple and there are not too many locks and bolts blocking your way out.

Doors

Always close the doors at night. If there's a fire, this will help to slow it down.

If there is a fire in your home, touch a door before you open it. If the door is warm, there could be a fire the other side, so try to find another way out.

Cigarettes

Never leave cigarettes, pipes or cigars unattended and always be sure to put them out fully. Never smoke in bed and if you've been smoking in the living room, don't leave the ash tray on the arm of the sofa as it can easily be knocked off and cause a fire.

Don't smoke when you're tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.