An Experts Guide to Fire Hazards in the Home

Firstly, here's the scientific explanation about how fires start.

“Fires start when a flammable and/or a combustible material, in combination with a sufficient quantity of an oxidizer such as oxygen gas or another oxygen-rich compound (though non-oxygen oxidizers exist that can replace oxygen), is exposed to a source of heat or ambient temperature above the flash point for the fuel/oxidizer mix, and is able to sustain a rate of rapid oxidation that produces a chain reaction.” (Wikipedia, 2010)

Confused? Well, this basically means that things that are very hot mixed with stuff that is able to catch fire is the reason that fires start. Follow these simple, inexpensive tips to prevent this devastatingly hot chain reaction occurring in your own home;

1. Cigarettes. Still the major cause of fires in the home. Make sure that all cigarettes are stubbed out, and never smoke if you are feeling tired.


2. Cooking. Dry food before placing it in the hot oil– wet food will cause the oil to bubble up and possibly spill over the edge of the pan. Turn off the cooker and hobs etc after cooking. Also don’t put anything in the microwave that is made of metal, or has a metallic finish or parts. Again, it is obviously important not to fall asleep when cooking!


3. Clothes. Never place clothing near to a fire, or even too close to a heater, as naked flames and excessive heat are major (and serious) causes of fire in the home.


4. Wardrobes. Similarly, make sure clothes are not touching light bulbs – even wardrobe lights.


5. Switch off. Turn off and unplug appliances (hair straighteners, irons, TVs) when not in use. Don’t leave lights on when you go to bed or leave the house.


6. Don't overload sockets. Electrical sockets risk overheating if they are overloaded and don’t pull on electric cables and fiddle with electrical appliances or sockets unless you are a qualified electrician.

These basic techniques should prevent a fire in your home...and also cut a few quid off your electricity bill!

However, we unquestionably recommend fitting your home with smoke alarms on every level of your home, as although these measures should prevent a fire in your home, a smoke alarm will save your life if there is actually a fire in your home.