Candles and fireplaces can make your home feel cosy, but they can also become hazardous if they're not handled with care. Here are a few things you can do to help prevent a fire in the home and keep you and your family safe.
Smoke alarms
According to the UK government, you’re eight times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a smoke alarm that works. They really are that important.
Here are some smoke alarm tips.
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You should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home.
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Smoke alarms are available from DIY stores, electrical shops and supermarkets.
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Your best option is a ten-year sealed battery smoke alarm. They cost a little more, but you won’t have to replace the battery so often.
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Test your smoke alarms at least once a month.
Safe cooking
Around half of fires in the home are caused by cooking accidents, and most can be avoided by taking extra care. The government’s tips to avoid cooking fires include:
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When leaving the kitchen, take pans off the heat or turn them down.
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Don’t cook if you’re drinking alcohol.
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Don’t leave children in the kitchen alone when food is cooking on the hob, and make sure pan handles are out of reach and don’t stick out (in case they get knocked off).
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Keep flammable items such as tea towels and loose clothing away from the hob.
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Make sure the cooker is off when you’ve finished cooking.
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Cooking with hot oil is particularly dangerous. Always make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn't bubble up and splash. If the oil starts to smoke, it’s too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool.
Electrics
Faulty appliances, bad wiring and overloaded sockets can also lead to an increased risk of fire. Here’s what you can do to keep your home safe.
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Always check that a suitable fuse is being used. This will prevent the plug from overheating.
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All appliances should have a British or European safety mark.
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Some high-powered appliances, such as washing machines, should have a single plug to themselves.
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Make sure any charges have the CE mark, meaning they meet European safety standards.
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Be alert to signs of dangerous wiring, including scorch marks, hot plugs and sockets, blown fuses, tripped circuit-breakers and flickering lights.
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Unplug appliances that don’t need to be on, especially when you go out or go to bed.
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes in your home can be dangerous. You must take extra care to make sure no accidents happen.
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Stub out cigarettes and dispose of them carefully.
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Never smoke in bed.
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Use a proper ashtray that won’t burn, and make sure it can’t tip over.
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Don’t leave a lit cigarette, cigar or pipe lying around as they could start a fire.
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Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach. If possible, buy child-resistant lighters and matchboxes.
Candles
Whether you're lighting candles as part of a festive celebration or simply want to create a relaxing mood, there are a few things you can do to help prevent them from causing a fire in your home.
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Make sure candles are in a proper holder and kept away from flammable items.
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Put candles out when you leave the room.
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Never leave candles burning when you go to bed.
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Don’t leave children alone with lit candles.
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Be alert to pets around lit candles.
Have a plan
Knowing what to do if a fire alarm goes off in the middle of the night will help make sure you get out safely.
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Plan an escape route and make sure everyone in your home knows it.
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Be sure to keep exits clear.
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Have a second exit route in case the first is blocked.
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Keep door and window keys where everyone can find them.
Check out the government’s guide to fire safety in the home for more advice.
If a fire does break out
Call 999 and get everyone out of the house and to a safe place. Don't go back into your property and don't try to save your posessions. Contact your home insurance provider as soon as possible, after the emergency has been dealt with.
