Home Instead:be extra vigilant to prevent fire

Fire prevention

Check your home room-by room for fire dangers and correct them. Remember, most domestic fires start in the living room, bedroom and kitchen at night while people are sleeping. In the living area: open fires • Always place a properly fitting spark guard and fire guard in front of an open fire • Never place anything to dry on the fireguard or spark guard

• Don’t store magazines, clothing or combustible items near a fire

• Never use an open fire to air clothes, as this is a major fire risk

• Always place the spark guard and fire guard in front of the fireplace when you are going to bed Chimney cleaning Chimneys have to be cleaned regularly. Follow this recommended cleaning guide:

• Wood-burning fires should be cleaned four times a year • Solid fuel fires should be cleaned once a year if using smokeless fuel

• Solid fuel fires should be cleaned twice a year if using coal

• Oil fires should be cleaned once a year

• Gas fires should be cleaned once a year if designed for sweeping. Portable heaters

• Always be careful when using portable heaters

• Position them away from furniture, curtains and flammable items

• Never move heaters when in use • Ensure they are plugged out before leaving the house or going to bed. Candles

• Never leave lit candles unattended, and keep candles in proper holders

• Position candles away from draughts

• Keep candles away from curtains, clothing or bedding as they may catch fire

• Avoid moving a lit candle

• Blow out candles fully before you leave the house or before you go to bed. Smoking

• If a smoker, never smoke if you are tired and/or relaxing in a chair

• Remember, medication and alcohol can make you drowsyand smoking is a real fire risk when you are tired • Always use an ashtray if smoking

• Empty all ashtrays before going to bed – make sure the contents are fully extinguished. In the bedroom

• Never smoke in bed

• Keep a torch or a flashlight near your bed for emergency lighting

• Bring your portable or mobile phone to your bedroom for emergency use

• Never leave your mobile phone charger plugged in at night or when you leave the house. Electric blankets