Power cuts, cold snaps and cooking on camping kit all add candles, heaters and open flames to a normal home. That is exactly when fire risk goes up, so fire safety belongs in any emergency plan.
If there is a fire: get everyone out, stay out and call 999 once you are clear of the building. Don't go back in for anything (GOV.UK fire safety).
Smoke alarms
The Home Office says you are around 8 times more likely to die in a fire without a working smoke alarm (source).
- Fit at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, ideally on the ceiling in the hallway and landing.
- Keep them out of kitchens and bathrooms, where steam and cooking set them off. A heat alarm suits a kitchen.
- Test monthly by pressing the button. Vacuum them every six months to clear dust.
- Ten-year sealed battery alarms save forgetting the yearly battery change. Never take the battery out because it went off by mistake.
- Mains alarms have a backup battery, so they still work in a power cut.
- If fitting one is hard for you, your local fire and rescue service can advise and may fit them for you.
- Some children may not wake to a smoke alarm, which is one more reason to practise your escape plan together.
Kit worth having
- Fire blanket
Keep in the kitchen- Moderate Kitchen fire blanket · Search Amazon UK (Ad)
- Ultimate Kitchen fire blanket, BS EN 1869 · Search Amazon UK (Ad)
- Fire extinguisher
- Ultimate Multi-purpose home fire extinguisher, 1-2 kg · Search Amazon UK (Ad)
- Carbon monoxide alarm
Battery type, so it works in a power cut- Moderate Battery carbon monoxide alarm · Search Amazon UK (Ad)
- Ultimate Carbon monoxide alarm with 10-year sealed battery · Search Amazon UK (Ad)
- Torch
One per adult. Safer than candles- Budget ASDA 9 LED Aluminium Torch (3 x AAA) · Asda page
- Moderate Rechargeable LED torch (USB) · Search Amazon UK (Ad)
- Ultimate High-output rechargeable torch, waterproof · Search Amazon UK (Ad)
A fire blanket is best kept in the kitchen. An extinguisher is only for a very small fire or one blocking your way out: read its instructions before you need it.
The fires that start most often
- Cooking: around half of home fires start in the kitchen. Don't leave pans unattended, keep tea towels away from the hob and turn handles inwards. If a pan catches fire, turn off the heat if it is safe to, never throw water on it, and get out.
- Candles: about two fires a day are started by candles. Use a proper holder away from curtains, never leave one burning in an empty room, and keep them away from children and pets. In a power cut, battery or LED lights are safer (power cut kit).
- Heaters: about three fires a day. Keep them clear of furniture, washing and bedding, and switch them off at night.
- Electrics: don't overload extension leads, and charge devices with the right charger, following the maker's instructions.
Camping stoves, BBQs and generators
These are for outdoors only. As well as fire, they produce carbon monoxide, which has no smell and can kill (NHS). See heating without power and cooking on a camping stove.
Plan your escape
- Main route: usually the normal way in and out of your home. Keep it clear of boxes, shoes and bikes.
- Second route: in case the first is blocked.
- Keys: keep door and window keys where everyone can find them in the dark.
- Practise with everyone in the house, children included, and review the plan if the layout changes. Add it to your household emergency plan.
If your way out is blocked
Get everyone into one room, ideally with a window and a phone. Put bedding along the bottom of the door, call 999, open the window and shout "HELP, FIRE". On the ground or first floor you may be able to lower yourself out after cushioning the fall with bedding: don't jump.
Flats and higher buildings
Know your building's fire plan and where the alarms and exits are. Count the doors to the stairs, because smoke is confusing. Don't use lifts or balconies in a fire, and still fit your own smoke alarms.
If clothes catch fire
Stop, drop and roll, and smother the flames with a heavy coat or blanket.
Bedtime check
- Close inside doors to slow a fire spreading.
- Turn off and unplug appliances that aren't meant to stay on, and don't run the washing machine, dryer or dishwasher overnight.
- Check the cooker is off, heaters are off and candles are out.
- Keep exits clear.
Make the monthly alarm test part of your weekly drill habit, alongside checking torches and your grab bag.