Fire safety at home

From kettles and toasters to TVs and lamps, our homes are filled with electrical appliances that need to be used and cared for safely. You should:

• Switch off any electrical appliance when not in use
• Check plugs and cables are in a good condition
• Do not overload sockets with plugs, chargers or extension leads
• Use the correct type and wattage of bulb in light fittings
• Register your appliances with the manufacturer

Phones, tablets, laptops and gaming devices all need charging regularly so it is important to do it safely. You should:

• Never leave items charging under pillows
• Do not overcharge, once fully charged unplug them
• Do not use fake chargers, only use the charger designed for that item. Branded chargers have safe charging electronics that detect when a battery is fully charged.
• If cables become broken, frayed or damaged, stop using them and replace as soon as possible

When heating your home with portable electric heaters make sure you do it safely. You should:

• Not cover heaters or dry clothes on them
• Always position them away from flammable clothing, fabrics and furniture
• Do not leave your heater unattended and switch it off when not in use
• Always plug your heater into a wall socket and not an extension lead

The biggest causes of accidental fire deaths and injuries in the UK but many can be avoided. You should:

• Not leave lit candles, matches or cigarettes unattended
• Not put lit candles or cigarettes on or near your TV or other electrical devices
• Keep candles or cigarettes away from flammable clothing, fabrics and furniture
• Extinguish candles, matches and cigarettes before leaving a room or going to sleep

Most electric scooters and bikes are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can be charged in the home so it is important to do this safely. You should:

• Charge batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Not leave batteries to charge while you are asleep or away from the home
• Use the manufacturer's approved charger and buy an official replacement if needed
• Not charge batteries or store your e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials
• Not charge your e-bike or e-scooter in the hallway because this will block your escape route
• Always charge your e-bike or e-scooter in a room that you can close the door on
• You can find more information about lithium-ion batteries on this video: Examples of Lithium Battery Fires

If you are planning to head outdoors for a barbecue or party, whether it is on a patio or in the garden, do it safely. You should:

• Never place fire pits, chimineas or barbecues near sheds, fences, trees or bushes
• Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive a fire or barbecue
• Never leave a barbecue unattended and ensure they are completely out before leaving them
• Never empty barbecue or fire ashes/embers into a dustbin or wheelie bin
• Never use a barbecue if you live in a flat - either inside or on a balcony