Is Your Home Safe?

A few questions to ask yourself.

Have you fitted a smoke alarm?

A smoke alarm is the simplest single step you can take to cut the risk of dying from fire. It costs less than £5, and you can get it in the supermarket or high street stores. There are no excuses for not having one.

If your home is on more than one floor, you should fit at least one smoke alarm on each floor.

How good are your electrics?

Fit just one plug per wall socket, unless you're using a bar adapter on a lead. Check that the fuses in the plugs to your TV, video, hi-fi and computer are rated correctly. Are any of your electric cables worn or taped up? They aren't safe and they should be replaced.

Is your upholstered furniture fire-resistant?

If it was made before 1988 then it's not fire-resistant, it can be set alight easily and it will produce clouds of poisonous smoke. You can check the label to be sure.

Is your cooker clear of inflammable objects?

Keep wires, cloths and oven gloves away from the cooker top. Don't let fat and other remains build up - they can go up in flames.  

Is your toaster clean and away from curtains?

Your toaster ought to be cleaned out from time to time. And make sure it's positioned well away from curtains.

Has your chimney been swept?

If you have an open fire, you should sweep your chimney once a year.

If you have an electric blanket, is it damaged?

Fraying, scorch marks, dampness and loose connections are all dangerous. If your blanket shows any signs of damage, have it tested or replaced.

Don't leave your electric blanket switched on all night unless it has thermostatic controls for safe all-night use. And when you store it, avoid folding it.

How good is your ventilation?

Without working vents, a gas leak can easily cause an explosion.

Have you got an extinguisher or fire blanket?

It's a good idea to have one - as long as it's not hidden away in a cupboard.