Around 500 people die every year in house fires in the UK. Many could have been prevented by following a few simple precautions:

• Never leave a chip pan on the cooker unattended.
• Don’t leave candles burning unattended.
• Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
• Don’t overload electrical power points.
• Don’t smoke in bed – and empty ashtrays last thing at night making sure nothing is still burning.
• Don’t obstruct halls, corridors, stairs or balconies.
• Don’t wedge open fire doors.
• Plan an escape route – and know where your door and window keys are.

If there is a fire in your home

• alert everyone in your home and get everyone together
• make your way out as quickly as possible – don’t collect valuables or possessions as this could cost you your life
• dial 999 immediately and ask for the Fire Service
• If you’re trapped in your home because of a fire, close all windows and doors and use a damp cloth to seal the bottom of the door to stop smoke from coming in.
• If the room starts to fill with smoke, stay as close to the floor as possible and cover your mouth with a damp cloth, taking short breaths.
• If there is a fire and you could have prevented it you may have to pay to put right the damage in your home.

Smoke alarms

We are installing wired-in smoke alarms as part of our rewiring programme and we also provide free battery-operated smoke alarms.

• You should test your smoke alarm weekly by pressing the test button firmly until the alarm
  sounds. If it doesn’t sound, change the battery as soon as possible and retest the alarm.
• You should vacuum the dust off your smoke alarm at least once a year and  wipe the cover. Always test it after you’ve cleaned it.
• Cooking can sometimes cause the alarm to go off: Open a window or fan the air under the alarm to stop it – never remove the battery from the alarm.

Fires in blocks of flats
The walls and doors between flats, stairs and corridors have been specially designed and constructed to resist fire, stop the spread of smoke and keep the building safe.

You can help to prevent fires:

• Don’t place items that could catch fire easily, such as
  rubbish or old furniture, in communal areas.
• Keep fire doors closed.
• Keep access/escape routes clear.
  

If a fire starts:

• Stay calm; unless the fire is in your flat, it is usually safe
  for you to stay there unless a fire officer tells you
  to leave.
• Pack the bottom of your door with a damp cloth to
  prevent smoke getting into your flat.
• Never use a lift.
• If you are told to leave, don’t return to your home
  until the Fire Service tells you it is safe to do so.