No one wants to think about a fire in their home, but having a fire safety plan is vital. Follow some of our top tips.

It is always good to regularly check your fire safety within the home, such as:

  • Closing doors: this helps contain the fire and smoke, making it easier to get out and limiting damage to your home.
  • Smoke alarms: test your smoke alarms each week. Normally, they run on mains electricity but have a battery in case the power fails so it always worth checking.
  • Kitchen safety: keep electrical leads and items that can catch fire easily such as tea towels and oven gloves away from the cooker and the toaster. Keep appliances clean. A build up of crumbs, fat and grease can easily catch fire.
  • Electrics: check for signs of loose wiring and faulty plugs or sockets such as a scorch mark or flickering. Replace any worn or taped cable or leads. If you use an adaptor or gang extension lead, keep the output running off that of a wall socket (13amps).
  • Cigarettes: 50% of accidental fire deaths in Northern Ireland are caused by careless disposal of smoking materials. Don’t smoke in bed. If you are likely to fall asleep, be very careful. Use proper ashtrays and make sure that when you put out a cigarette, it is fully out. Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
  • Candles: do not leave them unattended. Put them out completely at night. Candles and tea lights can melt plastic surfaces so always ensure to put them on a heat resistant surface. Keep them well away from anything that can catch fire.
  • Be prepared: make sure that all your family know what to do in the event of a fire and how to escape safely. Plan escape routes and keep exits clear.

Keeps keys handy and know which upstairs windows are escape windows.

  • If a fire starts: if there is smoke, keep low where the air is clearer. Get everyone out as quickly as possible.
  • If escape routes are blocked: if trapped , block off gaps where smoke can get through to you and phone for help.

If there is a fire, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 999

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