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Fire safety at home

We are committed to doing everything we can to protect you from the risk of fire, but it is important you play your part. Find out more about what you can do to stay fire safe at home:

  • Cooking and kitchens

    Kitchen fires account for nearly two thirds of accidental fires at home, but many can be easily avoided. You should:

    • Never leave anything you are cooking unattended
    • Keep flammable items like tea towels and loose clothing away from your cooker
    • Never use metal or non-microwave certified containers in a microwave
    • Do not cook if you’ve been drinking alcohol or have taken medication that makes you drowsy
  • Electrical appliances

    From kettles and toasters to TVs and lamps our homes are filled with electrical appliances that need to be used and cared for safely. You should:

    • Switch off any electrical appliance when not in use
    • Check plugs and cables are in a good condition
    • Don’t overload sockets with plugs, chargers or extension leads
    • Use the correct type and wattage of bulb in light fittings
    • Register your appliances with the manufacturer
  • Mobile phones and devices

    Phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices all need charging regularly so it’s important to do it safely. You should:

    • Never leave items charging under pillows
    • Don’t overcharge, once fully charged unplug them
    • Don’t use fake chargers, only use the charger designed for that item. Branded chargers have safe charging electronics that detect when a battery is fully charged.
    • If cables become broken, frayed, or damaged, stop using them and replace as soon as possible
  • Electric heaters

    When heating your home with portable electric heaters make sure you do it safely. You should:

    • Not cover heaters or dry clothes on them
    • Always position them away from flammable clothing, fabrics, and furniture
    • Don’t leave your heater unattended and switch it off when not in use
    • Always plug your heater into a wall socket and not an extension lead
  • Cigarettes, candles, and matches

    The biggest causes of accidental fire deaths and injuries in the UK but many can be avoided. You should:

    • Don’t leave lit candles, matches or cigarettes unattended
    • Don’t put lit candles or cigarettes on or near your TV or other electrical devices
    • Keep candles or cigarettes away from flammable clothing, fabrics, and furniture
    • Extinguish candles, matches and cigarettes before leaving a room or going to sleep
  • Electric scooters and bikes

    Most electric scooters and bikes are powered by lithium-ion batteries which can be charged in the home so it’s important to do this safely. You should:

    • Charge batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions
    • Don’t leave batteries to charge while you are asleep or away from the home
    • Use the manufacturer's approved charger and buy an official replacement if needed
    • Do not charge batteries or store your e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials
  • Barbecue and garden safety

    If you are planning to head outdoors for a barbecue or party, whether it’s on a patio or in the garden, do it safely. You should:

    • Never place fire pits, chimineas or barbecues near sheds, fences, trees, or bushes
    • Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive a fire or barbecue
    • Never leave a barbecue unattended and ensure they are completely out before leaving them
    • Never empty barbecue or fire ashes/embers into a dustbin or wheelie bin
    • Never have a barbecue on a balcony
  • Managed use guidance

    Please view our managed use guidance for common areas of high and low rise flats

What to do if there is a fire

 

  1. Get out
  2. Stay out
  3. Call 999 or 112
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