10 Home Fire Safety Tips Every Household Should Know

10 Home Fire Safety Tips Every Household Should Know

Home fire safety tips to reduce the risk of fire in your property
Contents

    According to government statistics, in the year ending March 2024 there were just over 23,000 accidental house fires in the UK causing preventable injuries and loss of life, as well as significant damage.

    By far the biggest causes of home fires were the misuse of electrical equipment and ignition from cooking appliances. Causes also included smoking materials, which accounted for the largest proportion of fire-related fatalities.

    There is good news, however, which is that most fires can be avoided with simple, proactive steps. By adopting essential home fire safety habits, you can protect your loved ones and significantly reduce risks. 

    So, from smoke alarms to fire escape plans, here are 10 home fire safety tips you can easily implement in your property:

    Install and maintain smoke alarms

    Smoke alarms are your first line of defence, offering an early warning that can save lives. They should be installed in the following areas: 

    • On every level of your home
    • Inside or near sleeping areas

    To ensure they work when you need them most:

    • Test alarms monthly by pressing the test button
    • Replace batteries annually (even if the alarm doesn’t beep)
    • Swap out the entire unit every 10 years

    A working smoke alarm gives you precious time to escape. So don’t leave it to chance.

    Develop and practise a fire escape plan

    Could your family get out of your home in under two minutes? That’s the average time you have to exit the building once a fire takes hold. 

    Develop a fire escape plan that includes:

    • Two exit routes per room in case one is blocked. This may involve the use of an escape ladder
    • A safe meeting point outside the home

    Practise it regularly with your household, and don’t forget:

    • Keep exits clear of clutter
    • Teach children how to unlock windows and doors

    The more you practise, the quicker everyone will react in an emergency, improving your home fire safety. To judge just how susceptible to fire your house is, you could always conduct a home fire risk assessment.

    Practice kitchen safety

    Cooking accounts for the majority of household fires in the UK. Stay vigilant in the kitchen with these simple rules:

    • Never leave cooking unattended as a small distraction can quickly escalate 
    • Keep flammable items like tea towels, oven mitts and paper towels away from stoves
    • Always turn pan handles inwards to avoid spills

    For extra peace of mind, keep a fire extinguisher within reach. The Firechief® range of home fire safety products can help you stay prepared.

    Use and maintain electrical appliances with care

    Faulty wiring and overloaded sockets are common fire starters. Here’s how to stay safe:

    • Regularly inspect plugs and cords for damage
    • Avoid overloading outlets – use extension leads safely
    • Unplug appliances when not in use, especially overnight

    If something sparks, smells unusual or heats up more than it should then stop using it immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

    Educate your household on fire safety

    Fire safety isn’t just for adults. Everyone in your home should know the basics. 

    So teach your family:

    • How to raise the alarm if they spot a fire
    • Where to find fire extinguishers and how to use them (if safe)
    • The stop, drop, and roll technique for extinguishing flames on clothing

    Involving children in fire safety discussions and drills can make all the difference. A well-prepared household is a safer one.

    Keep heat sources safe

    Whether you use portable heaters or fireplaces, heating sources are another key fire risk. To improve home fire safety, follow these precautions:

    • Keep heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials
    • Turn off heaters when you leave a room or go to bed
    • Install fireguards around open fireplaces to protect children and pets

    Regular maintenance like chimney cleaning also reduces the risk of a fire starting.

    Store flammable items safely

    Household items like cleaning chemicals, paint and fuels can be extremely flammable. To reduce risks:

    • Store them in cool, well-ventilated areas
    • Keep flammable liquids away from heat sources

    Use candles and open flames with care

    Candles are popular gifts, stylish additions to the home and create a cosy atmosphere; but they’re also a leading fire hazard. Stay smart with these rules:

    • Never leave lit candles unattended
    • Place candles on sturdy, non-flammable surfaces
    • Keep them away from curtains, paper and pets

    You could always consider switching to battery-operated LED candles. They’re just as charming but far safer.

    Be cautious if smoking or vaping indoors

    If anyone in your home smokes or vapes, make sure they do so safely.

    • Avoid smoking in bed or near flammable materials
    • Always use a sturdy ashtray and empty it regularly
    • Double-check that cigarettes are extinguished before disposal
    • Keep a close eye on the condition of the Lithium-ion battery powering the vape

    Better yet, one of the best home fire safety tips is to encourage smoking outside to eliminate the risk completely. 

    Invest in fire safety equipment for the home

    Being prepared means having the right tools at hand. Equip your home with:

    Protect your home and loved ones with the best fire safety products

    Home fires can happen unexpectedly. However, you can drastically reduce the risk of fire in your property by following these home fire safety tips and equipping yourself with the best fire safety products. From smoke alarms to escape plans, small actions and additions could save lives.

    For high-quality fire safety equipment and accessories that help you stay prepared, browse the full range of Firechief® products or speak to one of our experts who would happily advise you on the most suitable fire safety products for your needs.


    Disclaimer

    The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader's risk.