Council and democracy

As safe as houses

We all probably feel safest and most secure in our homes - yet we all live with the ever-present danger of fire

However, there are many simple but effective precautions you can take to reduce the risk of fire in the future. A few minutes of your time can help protect you and your family and give you peace of mind.

Many house fires start at night and the following safety checklist highlights some of the precautions you can take every evening:

• Switch off electrical appliances and remove plugs from sockets.
• Put guards around open fires.
• Make sure smoking materials are extinguished.
• Close the doors of unoccupied rooms.

Chip pan fires

Almost half of all fires in the home start in the kitchen and are most often chip pan fires. Chip pans are safe if used properly. However, they should not be over filled, overheated or left unattended.

If a chip pan does catch fire:

• Do not move it
• Turn off the heat source if it is safe to do so
• Place a damp cloth over it
• Dial 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service
• Leave it to cool for at least 30 minutes