Home Fire Safety Tips

Home Fire Safety Tips

House fires claim the lives of over 500 people each year, with the majority of fatalities occurring between midnight and 6am, when people are asleep. Here are some quick home fire safety tips for common fire hazards within a home:

Cooker Safety

When using pans on the hob, place towards the back of the unit when children are around and make sure that saucepan handles do not stick out, to avoid them being knocked off. Never leave pots and pans unsupervised and do not let children touch saucepans.

Heating Safety

When using portable heaters be sure to keep them away from curtains and furniture. If you use electric heaters be sure to switch them off before going to bed or leaving the house, and never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket. If children are around use fireguards by open flames and encourage them not to play near fires.

Smoking Safety

Careless smoking habits can lead to deathly results. If smoking, always make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished and avoid smoking in bed. Do not let children play with lighters or matches, and store out of their reach.

Electrical Appliance Safety

To minimise the risk of electrical fires, always switch off and unplug appliances once you’ve finished using them and replace old or poorly wired appliances and cables. Do not overload sockets with electrical appliances as this can cause them to overheat.

Candle Safety

Candles should only be used by responsible adults and should be secured in stable holders. Keep candles out of the reach of children and avoid lighting them near flammable items such as curtains and fabrics. Never leave burning flames unattended!