Fire safety in your home

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Keeping you and your neighbours safe from the risk of fire is one of the most important things you can do at home. 

 Outside your home   

  • Do not keep vehicles with power sources close to your property. This includes e-scooters, motorbikes and mopeds. 
  • If you are a smoker, smoke outside your home. Always put the cigarette out in an ashtray and ensure that it is fully extinguished. 
  • If you have a barbeque, keep it well away from your home and always ensure it is fully extinguished when you are finished. 

 Inside your home

  • Never leave cooking unattended. 
  • Be careful where mirrors are positioned within your home as they could concentrate sunlight on flammable objects such as curtains, blankets, magazines and carpets. 
  • Make sure you only use electrical appliances with a British or European safety mark. 
  • Don’t buy cheap counterfeit chargers or power supplies, and never leave phones or laptops plugged in to charge overnight. 
  • Hair straighteners can get extremely hot. Always switch them off and leave them to cool on a heatproof surface. 
  • Never smoke in bed, or anywhere else, if there’s a chance of falling asleep. 
  • Ensure that you have a fire alarm and that you regularly check that it is working properly 
  • Candles, tea lights and incense burners should only be placed in stable, heat-resistant holders. Keep these items or any other type of naked flame well away from curtains, furniture and clothes. 
  • Don’t overload electrical sockets. 
  • Close all doors at night as this helps to prevent fire and smoke spreading. 

 General fire safety advice

  • The London Fire Brigade offer free home fire safety visits. 
  • If you hear your smoke alarm sound, never assume it is a false alarm. 
  • Always know your escape route, and keep it clear from household possessions, so that you can leave your home quickly if you need to. 
  • Make sure escape routes are kept clear of anything that may slow down or block exit routes. 
  • Ensure security gates can be easily opened from the inside without the need for a key. Keep door and window keys where everyone can find them. 

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You can find out more about fire safety at london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-home/. By working together, we can keep you and your neighbours safe.