Keeping safe: reducing the risk of fire

If there is a fire, do not try to put it out. Leave your home and call 999. Don’t go back in, even for pets. 

Fire protection

Contact your local fire and rescue service for a free home fire safety check. They can visit your home to offer advice. 

If you are worried about using gas or electrical appliances correctly, contact your gas or electric company. You can ask them to put you on the Priority Services Register. This means you will be eligible for free, regular safety checks. You may also be able to receive advice about safety measures. 

If you are not eligible for the Priority Services Register, speak with your utility company or landlord about other support they can provide. 

Fitting fire alarms in your home 

Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are present in your home, and test them regularly. Or consider sealed alarms with 10-year batteries or mains-powered alarms. These can be fitted by an electrician. 

Alarms should be replaced around every 10 years, and they will have an expiry date on them. Let a friend or family member know so they can help you keep track of when they should be replaced. 

If you are Deaf or hard of hearing, strobe light and vibrating-pad alarms are available. Contact your local fire and rescue service for more information. 

Smoke alarms are best either in the hallway or at the top of stairs. Do not put them in bathrooms or kitchens, as water vapour can set them off unnecessarily. 

Do not fit too many alarms, as a lot of noise can be confusing in a fire emergency.

Contacting your local fire and rescue service

Different fire services serve different parts of the UK. You can find information about your local fire and rescue services online: for England, for Northern Ireland or for services in Wales. 

You can also find information on fire safety in the home at UK Fire Service. 

Fire safety tips 

• Take extra care around open flames, such as candles or an open fire. 
• Do not leave an open flame unattended. 
• If you have an open fire, use fire rails. 
• If you have a working chimney, make sure it is swept at least once a year. 
• Never dry your clothes near an open fire, even if you have a fire guard. 
• If you have a portable heater, think about fitting an extra guard. Keep it away from furniture and curtains. 
• If you smoke, keep plenty of ashtrays around the home as a visual prompt for you to use them. 
• If you use oxygen equipment or an airflow mattress, don’t smoke near them or allow others to. 
• If you use an electric blanket, check it has safety features such as an automatic shut-off time and a sensor to prevent overheating. 
• Fire-resistant furniture and furnishings are much safer to use.