Smoke alarms

According to the Government's Fire Safety in the Home report, you're four times more likely to die in a fire if you don't have a smoke alarm that works. An approved smoke alarm should be installed on every level of your home, ideally on the ceiling and in the centre of the room.

Test each alarm at least once a month, pushing the button until the alarm sounds. Batteries should be replaced at least one a year.

In the kitchen

Half of all home fires are a result of cooking accidents, states the fire report. Here are some ways you can prevent a kitchen fire:

Don't leave children unattended in the kitchen when using the hob, and make sure matches are stored out of reach.
Never cook under the influence of alcohol.
Keep tea towels away from the cooker and hob, as they could catch alight.
Don't leave the kitchen unattended when cooking on the hob – if you have to, turn the hobs off or down.
Be wary of wearing loose clothing while cooking.
Keep electrical appliances and their leads away from the sink.
Be extra careful when cooking with a deep-fat fryer. Hot oil catches alight easily, if it starts to smoke then it's too hot and must be turned down.

Electricals

Faulty electricals (including appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets) are the cause of around 6,000 fires across the country every year. Ways you can avoid electric fires include:

Making sure any appliance you buy features a British or European safety mark.
Using one plug per socket, wherever possible.
Making sure large, high-powered appliances – such as your dishwasher or fridge – have a single plug.
Not overloading extension leads, which have amp limits.
Unplugging items when not in use.
Making sure your furniture contains a fire-resistant label.
Keeping portable heaters clear from furniture or curtains, and propping them against a wall to prevent them from tipping over.

Smoking

Someone dies every six days from a fire started by a cigarette, explains the report. Obviously, the key piece of advice here is to not smoke inside of the home. If you do smoke inside of your home, you must:

Never smoke in bed, as you could fall asleep with the cigarette still lit.
Use a proper ashtray and make sure all cigarettes are completely stubbed out.
Store matches and lighters out of reach of children, and/or make sure they're child-resistant.
Be particularly careful of smoking in the house if you've been drinking alcohol, or are taking any prescription drugs that make you feel drowsy.

A guide to home fire safety

Your fire escape plan

What to do if there's a fire

Tips on preventing a fire

Living in rented accommodation?

Home insurance with Hastings Direct