Good Habits to Get Into

You can make a huge difference to the safety of your home just by doing a few regular checks. Prevention is always the best option.

Turn off and unplug electrical appliances

When you're not using electrical appliances such as the television, switch them off at the wall and unplug them (unless the appliance is designed to be left on, like a video player that displays the date and time).

Check your smoke alarm

It takes a few seconds to test a smoke alarm, yet people die each year because their alarm had a battery missing or the battery was dead.

You should test your alarm once a week and change the battery once a year (unless it's mains-powered or has a 10-year battery). Twice a year vacuum the inside to remove dust.

Make an escape plan

1. Include everyone who lives in your home. Everyone, including old people and children, should know exactly what to do if there's a fire .
2. Choose an escape route - the easiest way out. Pick a second escape route in case the first is blocked by fire.
3. Always keep the door and window keys in the same place, and tell everyone where that is.
4. Keep the escape route clear of obstacles.

Get into a routine before going to bed

Before going to bed, remember:

• Switch off and unplug electrical appliances
• Check the oven and cooker are turned off
• Turn heaters off, and put a guard in front of fires
• Make sure any candles are fully extinguished and lights are turned off
• Make sure all cigarette butts are put out, wetting them to be sure, and throw them away into a bin outside the house
• Close interior doors - they slow down the spread of fire
• Check the escape route is free of obstacles