Fire safety in your home

Get everyone out, close the door and walk calmly out of the building.

• Do not use the lift.
• Call 999, give your address, the number of your flat and state which floor the fire is on.

• It may be safer to stay in your flat or maisonette until the fire brigade arrives.
• Find a safe room, close the door and use soft materials to block any gaps to stop the smoke.
• Go to a window, shout "HELP, FIRE" and call 999.
• Be ready to describe where you are and the quickest way to reach you.
• It is easy to get confused in smoke so count how many doors you need to go through to reach the stairs.
• Familiarise yourself with the information on the fire safety notices.

• Purpose-built maisonettes or blocks of flats are built to give you some protection from fire. Walls, floors and doors can hold back flames and smoke for 30 to 60 minutes.
• You are usually safer staying put and calling 999. Tell the fire brigade where you are and the best way to reach you.
• If you are within the common parts of the building, leave and call 999.

• Make sure all your electrical appliances have a British or European safety mark when you buy them
• Do not overload extension leads or adaptors
• Always use the correctly rated plug fuse to prevent appliances from overheating
• Do not use appliances that show dangerous or loose wiring such as:
  • scorch marks
  • hot plugs and sockets
  • fuses that blow or circuit breakers that trip for no obvious reasons
  • flickering lamps or lights
• Unplug appliances when you are not using them or when you go to bed at night.

• Never use them for drying clothes and keep them clear from flammable materials such as curtains and furniture
• Fix heaters against a wall to stop them from failing.

• Unplug blankets before you get into bed unless it has a thermostat and is safe for all-night use
• Do not fold electric blankets. Store them flat or rolled up instead.

Ensure all washing machines, dryers and fridges are well maintained to avoid fire risks.

• Make sure saucepan handles don't stick out - so they don't get knocked off the stove.
• Take care if you're wearing loose clothing - they can easily catch fire.
• Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
• Double-check the cooker is off when you've finished cooking.
• Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking on the hob.
• Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking, take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk.
• Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order. A build up of fat and grease can ignite a fire.

Chip pans

Homes and Neighbourhoods do not support the use of chip pans

If, however you are using a chip pan follow the below tips:

• Never fill a pan more than one-third full of fat or oil.
• Never leave the pan unattended when the heat is switched on.
• Never put the food in the pan if the oil begins to give off smoke.
• Turn off the heat and leave the oil to cool, otherwise it could catch fire.

• Only use in a safe place and when you are in the room.
• Remember to put them out before you leave the room or go to bed.

• Where possible consider smoking outside your home
• Always use a proper ashtray, never a bin
• Never smoke in bed
• Stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully
• Don't leave a lit cigarette, cigar or pipe lying around. They can easily fall over and start a fire
• Take extra care if you smoke when you're tired, taking prescription drugs or if you've been drinking. You might fall asleep and set something alight
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.