Fires can start quickly and cause a lot of damage, but there are things you can do in your home to prevent them and give you peace of mind.
What can I do to prevent fires in the home?
There are lots of simple things you can do to prevent fires and better protect yourself and your home if a fire did ever start.
Alarms and escape routes
- You should have a smoke alarm on each floor of your home. Check it has the British Standard number BS 5446 and the Kitemark symbol.
- You should test your smoke alarms monthly and keep them free from dust. Change the battery at least once a year, or get a long-life alarm that can last from 7-10 without needing a new battery.
- If you have hearing problems or vision difficulties, you can get specialist smoke alarms.
- Plan a fire escape route and make sure that corridors, exits and stairs are free from clutter. If you live in a flat, follow the building’s fire evacuation plan and avoid using lifts.
Around the house
- If you have an open fire, use a fireguard and have the chimney swept at least once a year.
- Don’t dry clothes over or near a fire or electric heater.
- When you’re cooking, never leave the pan unattended.
- If you smoke, make sure you stub your cigarettes out completely and never smoke in bed.
- If you use candles, incense or oil burners, make sure they’re complete out when you’ve finished with them.
Free smoke detectors for older people
There isn’t currently a government scheme to provide free smoke detectors for older people.
However, you can ask your local fire service whether they could provide and fit a free smoke detector as part of their home safety schemes – in some areas this is known as a Safe and Well visit.
Your local Age UK will be able to advise on how to go about contacting your local fire service and may have further information and advice on fire safety.
If a fire does start in your home, don’t panic and don’t try to tackle it yourself. Remember the fire service advice: get out, stay out and call 999.
You shouldn’t attempt to re-enter a room or building that’s on fire under any circumstances.
How can I keep gas appliances safe?
Gas appliances are a fire hazard and so it’s important that you take the necessary precautions to stay safe around gas.
- If you smell gas, open all doors and windows, turn off the gas supply and call the 24-hour Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 straight away.
- If you have a gas boiler, the pilot light should be alight all the time. If it’s gone out and you can’t relight it yourself call a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- You should have your gas appliances safety checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Only Gas Safe registered engineers are legally allowed to work on gas appliances.
Find Gas Safe registered engineers using their online directory
How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
Appliances that burn gas, coal or wood can give off poisonous carbon monoxide fumes if they’re not working properly.
Carbon monoxide is known as a ‘silent killer’ because you can’t see, taste or smell it. Look out for yellow or brown staining, a lazy yellow or orange-coloured gas flame rather than a sharp blue flame, or too much moisture in the room.
Symptoms of carbon-monoxide poisoning include having a headache, feeling sick, or having a sore throat and a dry cough – similar to a cold or flu. If you’re worried that you might have carbon-monoxide poisoning call 999 straight away.
A carbon monoxide detector will flash and sound an audible alarm if it detects carbon monoxide. You should install one in every room where there’s a gas appliance and test it monthly – make sure it bears the Kitemark symbol and European Standard number BS EN 50291. The batteries in carbon monoxide detectors usually last around 5 years.
If you think carbon monoxide is present, call the National Grid emergency number on 0800 111 999. If you have solid fuel heating, call a solid fuel engineer. You can contact the Solid Fuel Association for a list of its registered members.
How can I make sure my home electrics are safe?
There are lots of things you can do to make sure the electrical appliances in your home are safe.
Plugs and sockets
- You shouldn’t overload sockets or extension leads as this can cause a fire. If you don’t have enough sockets, use a bar adapter on a lead rather than a block adapter. But for appliances that use a lot of power, such as a fridge or washing machine, only put one plug in each socket.
- Check your plugs, sockets, cables and appliances for any damage, such as fraying and exposed or loose wires. Don’t ignore warning signs such as burning smells, buzzing or crackling sounds, or fuses blowing.
- You should get a registered electrician to check your wiring for wear and tear at least every 10 years.
- Take particular care when using garden equipment that needs to be plugged in. If you’re in doubt, get a registered electrician to check that your garden equipment is plugged in safely.
Staying warm
- Be careful around electric blankets as they can be a hazard. Check whether yours can be left on overnight – if it can’t, switch it off and unplug it when you go to bed. Check for danger signs, such as frayed fabric or scorch marks and never switch it on if it’s damp or wet and don’t use it with a hot water bottle. You should get your electric blanket tested by an expert at least every three years and replace it every 10 years. The shop where you bought the blanket or your local Trading Standards office may be able to test it.
Find your local Trading Standards office on the GOV.UK website