Fire safety at home
This information is from www.cheshirefire.gov.uk and we have tried to make some of the language easier for you to understand . However, if there is something that you do not understand, and a dictionary does not help, please ask us to explain.
Accidental fires in homes in England kill many people every year. It is very important to stay safe at home.
Here are some of things you can do to stay safe.
Safety Advise - Smoke alarms
Make sure that your home has a smoke alarm that works.
Check that is works (We recommend that you test your smoke alarms every week by pressing the test button. We also recommend that you vacuum and wipe the smoke alarm every year, to make sure that there is no dust that may block the sensor!)
Carbon Monoxide alarms
Carbon monoxide (CO) is poisonous but it's difficult to detect so it is very important to have an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in your home.
Smoke alarms in rented properties
New safety laws for landlords came into force on 1st October 2015. The new safety laws make it compulsory for all landlords to fit smoke alarms in rented homes, as well as offering protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.
Tenants are required to check the alarms are in working order and notify the landlord if they identify any problems.
This means that is you are living in rented accommodation you should check that there is a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm that works. If it does not, tell your landlord.
More information about the law - smoke alarms in rented properties
Safety advice – using oxygen at home
Some people need to use Oxygen at home.
Oxygen therapy means using an oxygen cylinder or a machine to breathe in air that contains more oxygen than normal. If used sensibly, oxygen can be safe. However, used incorrectly it will cause severe burns which, which can prove fatal.
Always follow the safety guidance from your oxygen cylinder or concentrator supplier.
Please follow these safety measures:
Safety advice - smoking
Fires caused by smoking materials - including cigarettes, roll-ups, cigars and pipe tobacco - result in more deaths than any other type of fire.
If you or someone in your home smokes you can take the following simple steps to prevent a fire from happening in your home:
More fire safety tips for smokers
Smoking in bedrooms causes a high risk of fire - people should NEVER smoke in bedrooms.
Always locate ashtrays in a safe place where they cannot be knocked over or fall.
Safety advice - cooking
More than half of accidental fires at home are started by cooking - often when cookers and grills are left unattended.
View kitchen fire safety tips.
Cooking under the influence of alcohol is a very high fire risk activity, people who have been drinking are more likely to become distracted or fall asleep whilst cooking is left unattended. This regularly happens at night when other people in the house are fast asleep, often with tragic circumstances. Please try to ensure that people in your home never cook under the influence of alcohol. You may like to pre-empt the need for this by preparing food ready to eat to prevent the need for cooking under the influence of alcohol.
Chip pans are a major cause of fires in the home. Wherever possible make a lifestyle change and avoid using deep oil pans for cooking. An electric deep fat fryer with locking lid and thermostat is a much safer option, or try oven chips as a worthy replacement.
If you are cooking using oil in a pan, NEVER leave the pan unattended and avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone.
More safety information about chip pans
Keep your oven, grill, microwave and extractor fan clean - a build-up of fat and grease can easily catch fire.
Toasters or kettles should not be used directly under a cupboard - pull the toaster and kettle out before you use them. Always unplug your toaster and kettle when not in use
Safety advice - electrical
Electricity is often overlooked as a possible fire hazard. This may be because there is no flame. However, some 28,000 fires in the home are reported each year as being caused by electrical faults, accidents or misuse of electrical equipment.
View electrical fire safety tips.
Washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwasher should not be left running overnight or while you are out.
They are a fire risk because of their high wattage, friction and motors.
Tumble dryer fire safety tips
Washing machine and dishwasher fire safety tips
In the bathroom, you have the lethal threat of combining water with electricity, so don’t take mains-powered electrical products into the bathroom.
If possible, try to avoid charging mobility scooters overnight while you are asleep. And don’t store mobility scooters in an escape route.
Charging safely
Electrical devices should never be left charging overnight or when you are not at home. Only use the charger supplied and don’t over charge.
Not leaving devices charging for long periods and making sure that you are using the correct chargers can all help prevent a fire starting in your home.
Also if you are using laptops, don’t put them on soft furnishings, beds and duvets as this increases the chance of them overheating and catching fire.
When charging or using devices (such as laptops), put them on a hard surface such as a table and make sure that air can circulate around them.
Also, never overload plug sockets. Although surge-protected extension leads / adaptors are safe, but they can only take a total of 13 amps.
Using electric blankets safely
When using electric blankets, always always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions before use. To avoid an electric blanket fire, make sure that it (or its cord) does not show any of the following danger signs:
Electric blankets should be checked by a qualified technician every three years for signs of wear or damage.
When storing electric blankets roll it in a towel or plastic bag and store the blanket in a cool dry place - don’t fold the blanket, roll it instead. Do not place heavy items on top of the blanket while it is being stored.
Replace block adaptors with extension leads
Use a surge-protected extension lead rather than a block adaptor, as this will put less strain on the wall socket. Some block adaptors do not have a fuse, which increases the risk of overloading and fire.
Hair straighteners - safety tips
Hair straighteners should not be placed near to combustible items, which could overheat and catch fire. As soon as you've finished with your straighteners, always switch them off and unplug them, and put them out of reach of children. The temperatures reached by hair straighteners are typically very high, in the region of 220°C, and they take a long time to cool down.
Even if you've put down your straighteners and unplugged them, they can still burn a child up to eight minutes after they've been switched off and unplugged.
Safety advice - heating your home
Every year Cheshire firefighters tackle approximately 100 chimney fires. Most chimney fires are preventable.
Regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues will help prevent fires within chimneys.
More chimney fire safety tips
Every year over 100 people die and nearly 1,000 are injured in their homes as a result of fires caused by heating appliances. Many of these fires involve portable heaters.
To avoid a fire, always turn off portable heaters before going to bed and don’t place a heater too close to furniture, bedding or curtains.
More safety advice about heaters
Clothes should never be dried close to open fires or heaters. Always ensure that items are kept at least one metre away from any open fire or heater. Move any items that could fall or be knocked within close range of fires. Use a fire guard to stop embers being spat out.
Safety advice - candles
Candles, incense and oil burners are one of the biggest causes of fire within homes. Always use a suitable holder when burning candles. And always keep an eye on these items to keep you and your home safe.
Candle fire safety tips
Safety advice - plug-in air fresheners
Plug-in air fresheners can be a fire hazard. Switch them off when you go out or go to sleep, and unplug them regularly to check for melting or scorch marks.
Safety advice - wheat bags
Wheat bags can bring relief and comfort to you when you use them properly, but as with any product involving heat, there is a danger of fire and a risk of injury to you if you do not use it properly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and to ensure a wheat bag is not heated in a microwave for too long, or at too high a temperature.
Safety tips for the safe use of wheat bags
Safety advice - information for parents
There is an area on the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service website where children can learn safety tips by
playing online games - including:
Visit www.sparkton.co.uk or search for Sparkton on the Cheshire Fire and Rescue website
A voluntary programme called the FIRE SAFE SCHEME is available to parents and guardians of children who have a tendency to play or experiment with fire. Contact the Youth Engagement Manager at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service if you would like to find out more about the FIRE SAFE SCHEME - phone (during office hours): 01606 868700, or email: feedback@cheshirefire.gov.uk
Safety advice - bedtime routine
Many fire deaths happen during the night when most people are sleeping.
Working smoke alarms should wake you if a fire does break out.
When locking doors or windows at night you must ensure that the key is kept nearby, so that if there was a fire in your home, no-one will be trapped by a locked door or window when trying to escape. With a little thought you will be able to find a secure position for the key that is close by, so that people in your home can always escape but where an intruder will not be able to locate it.
Safety advice - escape planning
Your chances of escaping a fire successfully will improve if you have an effective plan of action (fire escape plan). Ensure that your fire escape plan specifically identifies a safe and quick escape route for all persons in the house; ensure that any obstacles that could hinder progress are removed or re-sited elsewhere.
Here are three basic escape plans that you can choose from:
1. Escape through the front door (all go together) if you are physically able and it is safe to do so - this should be OK if you have no physical disabilities, all internal doors are shut and you are alerted to the fire as soon as possible
2. Stay in the bedroom or a safe room (preferably one with an escape window) with a blanket/towel blocking the door, open a window, stay near the window and dial 999
3. Exit the window onto a load bearing ledge, lowering yourself out backwards. This should only be done in extreme circumstances
More information about escape planning
Every household should have some sort of escape plan in place just in case the worst was to happen.
Hopefully you will never have to use it, but it is important to prepare for it so there is no delay when it is put into action.
Plan together as a family ensuring that all the children in the household know the plan and what to do in the unlikely event of fire occurring.
Hallways, stairs and landings are an important means of escape, so keep these areas clear of any items that could trip you up, slow you down or trap you or others from escaping.
Practice your escape plan and ensure it works for those with mobility difficulties. Ensure that any person with mobility difficulties has a permanent facility to immediately call for help e.g. a mobile phone kept close to them at all times, or a careline system if appropriate.
Consider changing floor surfaces or steps that would hinder or prevent escape e.g. steps could be replaced by a ramp for wheelchair users.
Mental health illness can significantly increase the risk of fire occurring and additionally can hamper escape from a fire.
Seek further specific advice from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service: phone (during office hours): 01606 868700 or email feedback@cheshirefire.gov.uk
Medication that causes drowsiness or deep sleep can significantly increase the risk of fire occurring and additionally can hamper escape from a fire. If the medication causes drowsiness, cooking activities should not be undertaken.
Conventional smoke alarms work by emitting a loud noise when smoke is detected, providing the vital early warning of fire, and therefore aiding escape. People with a hearing impairment need additional ways of making them aware the alarm has been activated, including vibrating pads and flashing strobe lights.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service can provide these. Contact Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service by text message and we will arrange for someone to visit you at home and to fit the necessary equipment for you:
Simply text HSA and your name and address to 07624 808 300. Or email us: feedback@cheshirefire.gov.uk
More information about the text messaging service and home safety assessment available for people with a hearing impairment
If a fire occurs in your home it will be dark and smokey, you will need to escape fast, and therefore it is essential that your hallways and landings are kept clear of any items that could trip you up, slow you down or trap you or others from escaping.
Here are some of things you can do to stay safe.
Safety Advise - Smoke alarms
Make sure that your home has a smoke alarm that works.
Check that is works (We recommend that you test your smoke alarms every week by pressing the test button. We also recommend that you vacuum and wipe the smoke alarm every year, to make sure that there is no dust that may block the sensor!)
Carbon Monoxide alarms
Carbon monoxide (CO) is poisonous but it's difficult to detect so it is very important to have an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in your home.
Smoke alarms in rented properties
New safety laws for landlords came into force on 1st October 2015. The new safety laws make it compulsory for all landlords to fit smoke alarms in rented homes, as well as offering protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.
Tenants are required to check the alarms are in working order and notify the landlord if they identify any problems.
This means that is you are living in rented accommodation you should check that there is a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm that works. If it does not, tell your landlord.
More information about the law - smoke alarms in rented properties
Safety advice – using oxygen at home
Some people need to use Oxygen at home.
Oxygen therapy means using an oxygen cylinder or a machine to breathe in air that contains more oxygen than normal. If used sensibly, oxygen can be safe. However, used incorrectly it will cause severe burns which, which can prove fatal.
Always follow the safety guidance from your oxygen cylinder or concentrator supplier.
Please follow these safety measures:
- Never smoke or let anyone else smoke while you are using oxygen
- Turn off the equipment when not in use and ventilate the room.
- Keep oxygen at least six feet (two metres) away from flames or heat sources such as gas cookers, paraffin or gas heaters, candles, cigarettes, cigars and fireplaces.
- Do not use flammable products, such as cleaning fluid, paint thinner, petroleum based creams or aerosols, while you are using oxygen.
- Keep oxygen cylinders upright. Make sure they do not fall over and get damaged, especially when travelling in a vehicle. Ask your supplier for transport box.
- Never allow oxygen to be released into the room when not in use.
- Ensure you have smoke alarms within your home that are in working order.
Safety advice - smoking
Fires caused by smoking materials - including cigarettes, roll-ups, cigars and pipe tobacco - result in more deaths than any other type of fire.
If you or someone in your home smokes you can take the following simple steps to prevent a fire from happening in your home:
- Never smoke in bed - if you need to lie down, don't light up. You could doze off and set your bed on fire
- Use a proper, heavy, ashtray that can't tip over easily and is made of a material that won't burn.
- Make sure your smoking material is fully extinguished.
- Do not empty your ashtray into a bin because this can cause the bin to catch fire. A drop of water in the ashtray will help to make it safe, then leave it to cool down fully.
More fire safety tips for smokers
Smoking in bedrooms causes a high risk of fire - people should NEVER smoke in bedrooms.
Always locate ashtrays in a safe place where they cannot be knocked over or fall.
Safety advice - cooking
More than half of accidental fires at home are started by cooking - often when cookers and grills are left unattended.
View kitchen fire safety tips.
Cooking under the influence of alcohol is a very high fire risk activity, people who have been drinking are more likely to become distracted or fall asleep whilst cooking is left unattended. This regularly happens at night when other people in the house are fast asleep, often with tragic circumstances. Please try to ensure that people in your home never cook under the influence of alcohol. You may like to pre-empt the need for this by preparing food ready to eat to prevent the need for cooking under the influence of alcohol.
Chip pans are a major cause of fires in the home. Wherever possible make a lifestyle change and avoid using deep oil pans for cooking. An electric deep fat fryer with locking lid and thermostat is a much safer option, or try oven chips as a worthy replacement.
If you are cooking using oil in a pan, NEVER leave the pan unattended and avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone.
More safety information about chip pans
Keep your oven, grill, microwave and extractor fan clean - a build-up of fat and grease can easily catch fire.
Toasters or kettles should not be used directly under a cupboard - pull the toaster and kettle out before you use them. Always unplug your toaster and kettle when not in use
Safety advice - electrical
Electricity is often overlooked as a possible fire hazard. This may be because there is no flame. However, some 28,000 fires in the home are reported each year as being caused by electrical faults, accidents or misuse of electrical equipment.
View electrical fire safety tips.
Washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwasher should not be left running overnight or while you are out.
They are a fire risk because of their high wattage, friction and motors.
Tumble dryer fire safety tips
Washing machine and dishwasher fire safety tips
In the bathroom, you have the lethal threat of combining water with electricity, so don’t take mains-powered electrical products into the bathroom.
If possible, try to avoid charging mobility scooters overnight while you are asleep. And don’t store mobility scooters in an escape route.
Charging safely
Electrical devices should never be left charging overnight or when you are not at home. Only use the charger supplied and don’t over charge.
Not leaving devices charging for long periods and making sure that you are using the correct chargers can all help prevent a fire starting in your home.
Also if you are using laptops, don’t put them on soft furnishings, beds and duvets as this increases the chance of them overheating and catching fire.
When charging or using devices (such as laptops), put them on a hard surface such as a table and make sure that air can circulate around them.
Also, never overload plug sockets. Although surge-protected extension leads / adaptors are safe, but they can only take a total of 13 amps.
Using electric blankets safely
When using electric blankets, always always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions before use. To avoid an electric blanket fire, make sure that it (or its cord) does not show any of the following danger signs:
- • Scorch marks or discoloration areas are visible on the fabric of the blanket
- • Wires are visible or poking through the fabric
- • Fabric is frayed or worn
- • There is damage to the electrical cord between the plug and the blanket's control mechanism or between the control and the blanket
- • The control makes a buzzing sound when switched on or gives off a smell
- • The blanket's connector, where the electrical cord plugs into the blanket, is damaged or over-heating
Electric blankets should be checked by a qualified technician every three years for signs of wear or damage.
When storing electric blankets roll it in a towel or plastic bag and store the blanket in a cool dry place - don’t fold the blanket, roll it instead. Do not place heavy items on top of the blanket while it is being stored.
Replace block adaptors with extension leads
Use a surge-protected extension lead rather than a block adaptor, as this will put less strain on the wall socket. Some block adaptors do not have a fuse, which increases the risk of overloading and fire.
Hair straighteners - safety tips
Hair straighteners should not be placed near to combustible items, which could overheat and catch fire. As soon as you've finished with your straighteners, always switch them off and unplug them, and put them out of reach of children. The temperatures reached by hair straighteners are typically very high, in the region of 220°C, and they take a long time to cool down.
Even if you've put down your straighteners and unplugged them, they can still burn a child up to eight minutes after they've been switched off and unplugged.
Safety advice - heating your home
Every year Cheshire firefighters tackle approximately 100 chimney fires. Most chimney fires are preventable.
Regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues will help prevent fires within chimneys.
More chimney fire safety tips
Every year over 100 people die and nearly 1,000 are injured in their homes as a result of fires caused by heating appliances. Many of these fires involve portable heaters.
To avoid a fire, always turn off portable heaters before going to bed and don’t place a heater too close to furniture, bedding or curtains.
More safety advice about heaters
Clothes should never be dried close to open fires or heaters. Always ensure that items are kept at least one metre away from any open fire or heater. Move any items that could fall or be knocked within close range of fires. Use a fire guard to stop embers being spat out.
Safety advice - candles
Candles, incense and oil burners are one of the biggest causes of fire within homes. Always use a suitable holder when burning candles. And always keep an eye on these items to keep you and your home safe.
Candle fire safety tips
Safety advice - plug-in air fresheners
Plug-in air fresheners can be a fire hazard. Switch them off when you go out or go to sleep, and unplug them regularly to check for melting or scorch marks.
Safety advice - wheat bags
Wheat bags can bring relief and comfort to you when you use them properly, but as with any product involving heat, there is a danger of fire and a risk of injury to you if you do not use it properly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and to ensure a wheat bag is not heated in a microwave for too long, or at too high a temperature.
Safety tips for the safe use of wheat bags
Safety advice - information for parents
There is an area on the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service website where children can learn safety tips by
playing online games - including:
- • A road safety quiz
- • A water safety game
- • A spot the hazards game
- • A game about firefighter kit and equipment
Visit www.sparkton.co.uk or search for Sparkton on the Cheshire Fire and Rescue website
A voluntary programme called the FIRE SAFE SCHEME is available to parents and guardians of children who have a tendency to play or experiment with fire. Contact the Youth Engagement Manager at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service if you would like to find out more about the FIRE SAFE SCHEME - phone (during office hours): 01606 868700, or email: feedback@cheshirefire.gov.uk
Safety advice - bedtime routine
Many fire deaths happen during the night when most people are sleeping.
Working smoke alarms should wake you if a fire does break out.
When locking doors or windows at night you must ensure that the key is kept nearby, so that if there was a fire in your home, no-one will be trapped by a locked door or window when trying to escape. With a little thought you will be able to find a secure position for the key that is close by, so that people in your home can always escape but where an intruder will not be able to locate it.
Safety advice - escape planning
Your chances of escaping a fire successfully will improve if you have an effective plan of action (fire escape plan). Ensure that your fire escape plan specifically identifies a safe and quick escape route for all persons in the house; ensure that any obstacles that could hinder progress are removed or re-sited elsewhere.
Here are three basic escape plans that you can choose from:
1. Escape through the front door (all go together) if you are physically able and it is safe to do so - this should be OK if you have no physical disabilities, all internal doors are shut and you are alerted to the fire as soon as possible
2. Stay in the bedroom or a safe room (preferably one with an escape window) with a blanket/towel blocking the door, open a window, stay near the window and dial 999
3. Exit the window onto a load bearing ledge, lowering yourself out backwards. This should only be done in extreme circumstances
More information about escape planning
Every household should have some sort of escape plan in place just in case the worst was to happen.
Hopefully you will never have to use it, but it is important to prepare for it so there is no delay when it is put into action.
Plan together as a family ensuring that all the children in the household know the plan and what to do in the unlikely event of fire occurring.
Hallways, stairs and landings are an important means of escape, so keep these areas clear of any items that could trip you up, slow you down or trap you or others from escaping.
Practice your escape plan and ensure it works for those with mobility difficulties. Ensure that any person with mobility difficulties has a permanent facility to immediately call for help e.g. a mobile phone kept close to them at all times, or a careline system if appropriate.
Consider changing floor surfaces or steps that would hinder or prevent escape e.g. steps could be replaced by a ramp for wheelchair users.
Mental health illness can significantly increase the risk of fire occurring and additionally can hamper escape from a fire.
Seek further specific advice from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service: phone (during office hours): 01606 868700 or email feedback@cheshirefire.gov.uk
Medication that causes drowsiness or deep sleep can significantly increase the risk of fire occurring and additionally can hamper escape from a fire. If the medication causes drowsiness, cooking activities should not be undertaken.
Conventional smoke alarms work by emitting a loud noise when smoke is detected, providing the vital early warning of fire, and therefore aiding escape. People with a hearing impairment need additional ways of making them aware the alarm has been activated, including vibrating pads and flashing strobe lights.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service can provide these. Contact Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service by text message and we will arrange for someone to visit you at home and to fit the necessary equipment for you:
Simply text HSA and your name and address to 07624 808 300. Or email us: feedback@cheshirefire.gov.uk
More information about the text messaging service and home safety assessment available for people with a hearing impairment
If a fire occurs in your home it will be dark and smokey, you will need to escape fast, and therefore it is essential that your hallways and landings are kept clear of any items that could trip you up, slow you down or trap you or others from escaping.
