Fire prevention tips

Take care in the kitchen

Over 50% of fires in the home are caused by cooking accidents. Stay safe in the kitchen with these simple safety measures.

• Check that your cooker is switched off after you've finished using it
• Don't leave children alone in the kitchen when the hob or cooker is being used
• Don't put metal items in a microwave
• Keep cloths, tea towels and loose clothing away from the hob and cooker
• Be careful when cooking with hot oil as it can easily catch fire. Don't leave it unattended and make sure you turn off the heat if the oil starts to smoke

Check your electrics

Fires can be caused by faulty electrics or electrical equipment not being used safely.

• Remember to unplug your appliances when you're not using them
• Check your cabling for faults and replace any damaged cables
• Don't overload your sockets as they could overheat
• Make sure your plugs have the right fuse for the appliance being used. If in doubt, check the manufacturer's instructions
• Keep tumble dryers clear of fluff and don't leave them running overnight or when you're out

Candles and cigarettes

Candles and cigarettes bring fire into the home and must be treated with care. Someone dies every three days from a fire caused by a cigarette, while candles start three fires every day.

• Use secure holders for candles and keep them away from anything that might catch fire
• Make sure you put candles out before you leave the room
• Stub cigarettes out properly and don't leave them unattended when lit
• Don't smoke in bed or when you're likely to fall asleep

Fit smoke alarms

You are more than twice as likely to die in a fire if your home doesn't have any working smoke alarms. Protect your home and its occupants with smoke alarms that comply with British Standard BS EN 14604:2005 'Smoke alarm devices', and carry the British Standard Institution (BSI) Kitemark.

• Fit smoke alarms on every floor of your home
• Test your smoke alarms every week to make sure they are working
• Change the battery every year (unless it's a mains-powered or ten-year smoke alarm)

Make an escape plan

A smoke alarm can give you a vital early warning of a fire, but would you know what to do if you were woken by one in the middle of the night?

• Plan an escape route and make sure everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire
• Make sure you keep exits unblocked at all times
• Leave your window and door keys where they can easily be found (but keep them out of sight of potential burglars)

AA Buildings Insurance covers your home against damage caused by fire.