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STAYING INDEPENDENT

Looking after your home

"I want to know what help is available to me to manage my home."

Fire safety

It is important to know how to protect your family and home from the risk of fire. We have some top tips for you, plus you can find out if you qualify for a free safe and well visit from Humberside Fire and Rescue.

In the event of fire

If you have a fire, do not attempt to extinguish it unless it is safe to do so. Leave the property, closing all the doors behind you, and contact the emergency services. Do not go back into the property until you are told it is safe to do so by the firefighters who attend.

Call the emergency services on 999

Top tips to reduce the risk of fire in your home

The best way to reduce the risk of fire is to be aware of any potential dangers or hazards that may cause a fire. Here are a few top tips that will help:

Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and test them weekly to make sure they are working.
Take extra care in the kitchen. Never leave cooking unattended or fill a pan with oil and heat it up.
Be careful not to overload electric sockets - most can only take a maximum of 13 amps.
Store matches and lighters away from children.
Keep clothes well away from heaters and open fires.
Put out cigarettes properly and dispose of them carefully.
Plan an escape route and make sure everyone in the house knows how to get out in the event of a fire. You can find guidance on planning an escape route on the Humberside Fire and Rescue website.
Keep door and window keys where everyone can find them.

You can find out more tips to make your home safe on the GOV.UK website.

Bedtime checklist

When you are asleep it takes longer to notice the signs of fire. Before you go to bed, make sure you follow this bedtime checklist:

Check your oven and hob are turned off.
Unplug electrical appliances, unless they are meant to be left on, like your freezer.
Make sure the washing machine and dishwasher are off - do not leave them going at night.
Check that items such as mobile phones, tablets and e-cigarettes are not plugged in. They should never be left to charge overnight.
Make sure any candles or cigarettes have been put out properly.
Turn off heaters.
Put a fireguard around the fire place if the fire has been lit.
Make sure there are clear paths to your exit doors and that they are not blocked.
Close inside doors at night to stop fire spreading from room to room.

Home fire safety check

If you need some help to identify the fire risks in your home, you can complete a free home fire safety check online.

The home fire safety check on the Safelincs website will take you through your home one room at a time and ask simple questions to help you spot any fire risks.

After completing the assessment, depending on your answers you’ll either:

  • receive personalised advice and tips on how to reduce the risk of fire in your home
  • be invited to complete a short contact form so Humberside Fire and Rescue can contact you to provide specific recommendations to reduce the risk of fire in your home.

Other places to get fire safety advice

You may also find these websites useful:

Fire safety for disabled people

GOV.UK offers practical tips on how to protect yourself from the risk of fire if you have sight, hearing or mobility issues.
Fire safety in the home

GOV.UK provides advice on smoke alarms, preventing common fires, planning a safe escape, and checking the home at bedtime.
Safety in the home advice

Humberside Fire and Rescue provide safety advice on a range of fire-related topics.
What to do in the event of a fire

Make sure you know what to do if there is a fire in your home. Follow this guidance from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.
Keeping your home warm
Gas safety