Preventing fires in your flat

• never leave unattended candles burning.ever leave unattended candles burning
• flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin must not be stored in your home or on your balcony
• never set off fireworks or throw them from your balcony
• never throw any lit cigarette or any other naked flame from your balcony
• never light a barbecue on your balcony or in your home
• do not store items on your balcony – they can be a fire risk
• make sure any pigeon netting is kept free from debris make sure any pigeon netting is kept free from debris

Make a bed time check

You are more at risk from a fire when asleep. It is a good idea to check your home before you go
to bed:

• close inside doors at night to prevent a fire from spreading
• turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on – like your fridge or freezer
• check your cooker is turned off don’t leave the washing machine on
• don’t leave any items, such as mobile phones on charge overnight
• put candles and cigarettes out properly
• make sure exits are kept clear
• keep window and door keys where everyone can find them

Cooking safety

Over half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen.

• take particular care when cooking and don’t get distracted
• turn pans off or down if called away from the kitchen
• avoid leaving children alone in the kitchen when cooking
• don’t cook when under the influence of alcohol
• make sure saucepan handles don’t stick out
• keep cooker and grill pan clean and free from grease
• keep tea towels and other flammable items away from the cooker and hob
• double check the cooker is off when finished cooking
• use a thermostatically controlled electric fat fryer instead of a chip pan - they cannot overheat