Don’t let it burn
Your buildings and home contents insurance can help you to replace lost possessions in case of fire, but they cannot compensate you for trauma, disruption, upset and pain. Even if no one is harmed, you cannot replace memories or items with emotional or personal value. Don’t let your home be one of the 200 a day which suffer a fire. Every house is vulnerable, but you can take steps to reduce the risk.
Fit smoke detectors, at least one per floor. Check the batteries regularly.
Are your electrics safe? If in any doubt, get them checked by a qualified electrician. Replace worn flexes and cables. Don’t overload power sockets.
Your kitchen is where fire is most likely to start. Install a fire blanket and fire extinguisher; a fire blanket is particularly useful for fat or oil fires since pouring on water will cause the fire to spatter and spread very dangerously. Never leave anything unattended on the cooker.
Don’t store petrol in the house. Store other flammable liquids such as paint and meths in strong, secure containers in a shed, if possible.
Go to the tip on a regular basis! Junk and rubbish around the place, in cellars, attics and cupboards. provides great fuel for a fire if one breaks out.
If there is a smoker in the house, make sure safe habits are formed and kept to in terms of ashtray use and checking stubs are fully extinguished. Don’t allow smoking alone late at night when tired, or worse, under the influence of alcohol.
Remember that Christmas tree lights, paper decorations and barbecues bring their own attendant fire risks.
Use fireguards on all open fires.
Plan how the house will be evacuated in the event of a fire, and make sure all members of the household are informed. Pay particular attention to how children and old people, who move slowly, will escape.
Don’t leave children alone in the house. Keep matches and flammable items locked away or out of reach.
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