There are some very simple steps you can take to help protect you and your family from fire. Below you will see guidance as to how to protect your home from the dangers of fire in the areas of;

Smoke alarms

• Check your smoke alarm every week. Push the button, not your luck!
• Give your smoke alarm a birthday
• Change your battery every year on a date that you can remember easily, like your birthday.
• Change your smoke alarm every 10 years. Like most electrical goods they can stop working at some point, it is better to change them before they stop working
• Have at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home. These need to be in the hallways as they are your escape routes.
• If you wear a hearing aid, can you hear the alarms when you are not wearing the hearing aid, e.g At night.

Electric Blanket Safety

• Always follow manufacturers’ instructions for using you blanket. This will help you use and store it safely and prolong the life of your blanket. Store it flat or rolled and do not store other objects on top of it.
• Electric Blankets should be replaced every 10 years and tested every 2 years. Check with your local Age Concern office to see if anyone is testing in your area.
• Always check your blanket for scorch marks, water damage, mould or exposed wires. If you see any of these on your blanket do not use it, replace it.
• Never use a hot water bottle or drink fluids in bed when you have your electric blanket fitted to it. If you spill you drink or the water bottle leaks you will be mixing water and electric.

Electrical Safety

• Do not overload electrical sockets.
• Always unplug appliances when you have finished with them. Have you ever noticed how hot the plug can get.
• Make sure your electrical goods do not pre date the EU safety standards. If you are unsure, get it checked by a qualified electrician.
• Do not cover cables or leave them uncoiled. They need to be ventilated and checked for any broken covering.

Candle Safety

• Do not place candles near flammable material such as curtains, make sure they are fully extinguished before leaving the room.
• Heat travels and can easily set things a light!
• Always use sturdy holders and do not leave lit candles unattended. They can easily be knocked over by children, pets or even the wind!
• Keep torches handy in case of a power cut. They are much safer than candles.

Cooking Safety

• Never leave any cooking unattended even for a short length of time. It is easy for fats/greases etc to catch fire, try to keep them to a minimum.
• Keep combustibles such as tea towels, kitchen paper away from the hob. Switch off the cooker as soon as you have finished using it (at the wall if electric).
• Do not use toasters under cupboards, pull them out away from the wall. Bread in toasters catch fire very easily, empty the crumbs out regularly and stay with it whilst in use to ensure it does not jam.
• If you use a chip pan, never fill it more than a 1/3rd full, do not leave it unattended. Have you considered a safer alternative such as a thermostatically controlled deep fat fryer or even oven chips!
• Be careful not to place portable heaters where they can be knocked or tripped over. Also ensure that the air vents are kept clear and do not over heat.

Escape Routes

• Plan an easy escape route, all you need to do is get down the stairs and out the door quickly and safely. Always make sure hallways, stairs etc are not blocked with clutter.
• Plan an alternative route in case this one is blocked by fire. Make sure everyone in your house knows the plans (including guests, like grandparents at Christmas). Practise it and turn it in to a game with all the family.
• Have a designated place to keep door keys on your exit route. The keys must always be kept here so that everyone could access them in a fire.
• Think of a safe room to go, in case you can’t get out of the home. Ideally this would look out on to the street, block any gaps in the door with clothing etc and open the window for fresh air. If you do not have a mobile phone shout fire until you are rescued!
• If your clothes catch fire, Stop, Drop and Roll. This will help put the flames out, cover your face with your hands to protect it from the flames. • In the event of a fire, simply try to:
• Alert everyone.
• Get straight out.
• Avoid smoke by keeping low.
• Only open doors you need to for your escape.
• Always check the door for heat first with the back of your hand (if hot find another route).
• Once outside call the Fire Service, stating your full address
• DO NOT GO BACK IN!!! GET OUT, STAY OUT, GET THE FIRE SERVICE OUT.

Heating Safety

• Never use petrol or other flammable liquids to light a fire. They can be very unpredictable and may not react how you expect!
• Always use a full protective fire guard when children, infirm people or pets are in the room. Always ensure it is in place when you leave the room.
• Ensure the chimney is swept at least once a year (or flues checked if it is a gas fire) All heating appliances should also be check regularly by a qualified person.
• Never place flammable materials, like curtains or chairs, near a fire or heater. Heat travels and can easily set things a light!
• Be careful not to place portable heaters where they can be knocked or tripped over. Also ensure that the air vents are kept clear and do not over heat.

Night Routines

• Always check all candles, cigarettes are completely put out. A smouldering cigarette can very quickly turn in to a large fire.
• Turn off all none required appliances including TV’s, computers etc. Every night there is a power surge on the national grid. Even if the appliances do not catch fire, they could still be damaged.
• If you have one, always take your mobile phone to bed with you. This could be the difference between you being able to call 999 and not.
• Keep torches in easy to access places. At night when it is dark and smoky, being able to pick up the torch straight away will help your escape.