Fire Safety

• You’re four times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a smoke alarm that works
• Around half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents
• Two fires a day are started by candles
• Every six days someone dies from a fire caused by a cigarette
• About two fires a day are caused by heaters
• Faulty electrics (appliances, wiring, and overloaded sockets) cause around 6000 fires in the home across the country every year

The best way to keep your home and family safe from fire is to install smoke alarms. It's important to fit and test them regularly. If you're not sure how to do it, ask family or friends for help.

Fitting smoke alarms:

• Smoke alarms are cheap and easy to install
• They are available from DIY stores, electrical shops, and most high street supermarkets
• Fit at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home
• Fit smoke alarms on the ceiling, as near as possible to the centre of the room
• Position the alarms at least 30cm away from any wall or light fitting
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the fitting and maintenance of your smoke alarms.
• Don’t put alarms in or near kitchens or bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident.
• If it is difficult for you to fit smoke alarms yourself contact your local fire and rescue service for help. They’ll be happy to install them for you.
• Smoke alarms have a lifespan of 10 years. After this time, their sensors become less reliable and need replacing. By checking your smoke alarm’s expiry date, you can help to keep yourself and others safe. 

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Kent Fire and Rescue Service provide free advice on smoke alarms – just call them (free from most home phones, mobiles may charge) on 0800 923 7000 or email them at home@kent.fire-uk.org.

For more information on smoke alarms, visit the Kent Fire and Rescue Service website.

Kitchens are the most common place for home fires. Make your kitchen safer by:

• Closing the kitchen door at bedtime: This can help stop flames from spreading if there's a fire.
• Never leaving cooking unattended: If you forget easily, use a timer to remind you.

When cooking:

• Keep it clear: Make sure the cooker, hob, and surrounding area are free of clutter.
• Keep it clean: Regularly clean the hob, oven, grill, and grill pan to prevent grease fires.
• Avoid cooking if your medication makes you sleepy or if you have been drinking alcohol.
• Keep pan handles away from edges: This prevents children and pets from knocking them over.
• Avoid using chip pans or old deep fat fryers: Especially ones without a thermostat.
• Don't leave children alone in the kitchen: Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach.
• Be careful with loose clothing: It can easily catch fire.
• If you have health challenges: Consider devices like automatic cooker cut-offs. Contact Kent Fire and Rescue Service for more information.
• Use spark devices: They are safer than matches or lighters for lighting gas cookers.

Help avoid an electrical fire by:

• Use the right fuse: Always check that you use the correct fuse to prevent overheating.
• Check safety marks: Make sure electrical appliances have a British or European safety mark when you buy them.
• One plug per appliance: High-powered appliances like washing machines should have their own plug.
• One plug per socket: Try to keep to one plug per socket to avoid overloading.
• Follow instructions: When charging devices, follow the manufacturer's instructions and look for the CE mark to ensure safety.
• Watch for warning signs: Look out for scorch marks, hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow, circuit-breakers that trip for no reason, or flickering lights.
• Replace old cables: Check and replace old cables and leads, especially if they are hidden behind furniture or under carpets.
• Unplug appliances: Unplug appliances when you're not using them or before you go to bed.

To help avoid a fire, make sure your candle holder or ashtray can’t tip over, and:

• Secure candle holders and ashtrays: Make sure they can't tip over.
• Never leave burning candles or lit cigarettes unattended.
• Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
• Don't smoke in bed: Be extra careful if you're tired, on medication, or drinking alcohol, as you might fall asleep and start a fire.
• Stub out cigarettes properly: Dispose of them carefully using a proper ashtray.
• Consider child-resistant lighters and matches.

Be prepared by making a plan of escape:

• Plan your escape route: Make sure everyone knows how to get out.
• Keep exits clear: Make sure doors and windows are not blocked.
• Use the main exit: The best way out is usually the normal way in and out of your home.
• Have a backup route: Think of a second way out in case the main route is blocked.
• Practice your plan: Take a few minutes to practice your escape plan.
• Update your plan: Review and update your plan if the layout of your home changes.
• Keep keys accessible: Make sure door and window keys are easy to find.

GOV.UK - Fire safety in the home

Fire safety in the home - GOV.UK

Kent Fire and Rescue Service

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service free Safe and Well home visit means you can talk with one with an officer in the comfort of your home. You’ll receive fire safety advice relevant to you and an opportunity to talk about any safety concerns you may have.

• Home fire safety visits - Kent Fire and Rescue Service
• Safety in the home -  Kent Fire and Rescue Service