Fire safety tips

Most fires in the home can be prevented by taking some basic precautions. Below are some simple actions you can take to reduce the risk of fire:

• Fit smoke alarms in your home and test them regularly
   
• Be careful when cooking with hot oil
   
• If you light candles, make sure they are not near any flammable materials and put them out when you leave the room
   
• Plan an escape route in case there is a fire

If you live in a block of flats, there are additional actions you can take:

• Never prop fire doors open or leave front doors to flats open longer than necessary. This will help prevent the spread of fire.
   
• Never put bulky items in rubbish chutes as they can block chutes with potentially flammable material. They can also damage chute covers, which help contain fires from bin areas.
   
• Keep stairs clear from belongings or rubbish. In the event of a fire, escape routes need to be clear.
   
• You are usually safer in your own flat unless it is affected by heat or smoke. If you do need to leave your flat, do not use the lift and shut your front door behind you to prevent the spread of fire.