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House fires are devastating. So, how can you protect your home and family?
- What are the most common causes of house fires?
- How can you try to prevent a fire starting?
- What should you do after a fire at home?
Keep your home safe
Fire prevention: Keep your home safe
With a little knowledge, preparation and the right insurance, you can take steps to protect your home and family from fire. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common causes of house fires, how to prevent them and what to do in the event of a fire. So, let’s help make your home a safer place.
What are the most common causes of a house fire?
Fire hazard 1: The kitchen
Firstly, be careful when you’re cooking. It’s so easy for a fire to start if you’re not paying attention. For example, leaving a frying pan unattended, especially with oil or fat, is a recipe for disaster. If you see smoke, take the pan off the heat right away and let it cool. Never pour water on hot fat as this can cause a dangerous flare-up!
Fire hazard 2: Your plugs
Overloaded plug sockets are a common hazard often overlooked. It’s important not to overload your plugs, so you should only use extension leads as a temporary measure and avoid using multi-plugs altogether. Too many things plugged in at once can spark a fire, especially with high-power appliances like washing machines. Check your electrical cables regularly for scorch marks, fraying, or loose connections. If you spot anything dodgy, unplug it and call a qualified electrician.
Fire hazard 3: Open flames
It may sound obvious but everyday open flames are also some of the most dangerous. If you love the cosy vibe of candles, remember never to leave them unattended or near flammable materials like curtains. It only takes a split second to catch light, so always blow them out before you leave the room, no matter how good they smell!
Fire hazard 4: Smoking fire risks
As with candles, make sure you fully put out cigarettes and never leave them burning. Smoking is one of the leading causes of fire-related deaths and, despite their size, cigarettes can cause serious fire damage if not treated with care.
Fire hazard 5: Your fireplace or burner
If you have an open fire or log burner, let your insurer know. Always use a fire guard and keep flammable items well away from the heat to prevent accidents. Get chimneys cleaned and inspected each year before lighting your first fire and make sure you put the fire out properly every time you go to bed or leave the house.
Fire hazard 6: Your tumble dryer
If not properly maintained, your tumble dryer could cause a house fire. So, to make sure you’re keeping on top of things, and reducing the risk of a house fire, follow these top tips:
- Clean the lint filter every time you use your tumble dryer.
- Keeping a consistent airflow by clearing the vent.
- If you identify any problems, fix them before using the machine.
How can I make my home fire safe?
It should be no surprise that it’s recommended every house has smoke alarms fitted. But you also need to make sure your smoke alarm is working and fit for your home.
- Buy approved smoke alarms for your home – If you’re not sure which type to get, ask your local fire station. You can even install one in every room for the highest level of security. At the very least, you should have one smoke alarm on the hallway ceiling on each floor of your home and one fitted near your kitchen as a priority.
- Check your smoke alarms work – A broken smoke alarm is no good to anyone. Checking a smoke alarm is easy, just press the button and if it beeps, you’re good to go. If not, you’ll have to change the batteries or get a new one. Remember to set a monthly reminder to make sure they’re working.
Now your smoke alarms are sorted, you’ll need to think about any electrical fire hazards, like your appliances and other bits in your home. It might sound like a lot of steps but it’s better safe than sorry!
- Electrical appliances – If it doesn’t have an off switch, unplug it when you’re not using it.
- Plug adaptors – Don’t overload your plug sockets and only use extension leads when needed.
- Gas appliances – Have them serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Fridges and freezers – Don’t keep them in a cold garage, they need to stay warm to run properly.
- Garden electricals – Make sure the sockets you use have circuit breakers to prevent accidents.
Appliances with fire risks
From toasters to tumble dryers, did you know some of the appliances in your home could cause a fire? Well, we’ve got some top tips to prevent that happening…
Tumble dryers
- Clean the lint filter after each use to prevent buildup
- Regularly inspect and clear the vent to keep a proper airflow
- Schedule routine maintenance checks to identify and fix potential issues
Toasters
- Frequently remove crumbs to prevent overheating
- Inspect the cord for signs of wear and replace if necessary
- Avoid placing items on top of the toaster to prevent fire hazards
- Keep your toaster away from flammable materials
Air Fryers
- Clean the basket and tray after each use to prevent grease accumulation
- Avoid overloading the fryer to keep a safe and efficient operation
- Keep the fryer on a stable, heat-resistant surface during use
- Clean the heating element according to the manufacturer's instructions
What should you do if there’s a fire in your home?
Even if you follow every fire safety tip you can think of, a sudden fire can still take you by surprise. And if the worst should happen, it’s important you’re prepared and know what to do.
1. Make sure everyone’s safe and call the fire brigade straight away.
2. Don’t go back inside for anything, your safety comes first.
3. Once the fire’s out, contact our claims team for support.
Safely repairing your appliances sooner rather than later could help reduce the risk of accidental fires in the home, avoiding the need to claim on your home insurance.
How do I keep myself covered in case of a fire?
Fires can cause devastating damage and you want to make sure you’re covered. Without home or contents insurance, you’re not only stuck with smoke-damaged and burnt belongings but you’ll be left with the cost of rebuilding or repairing your home.
Having the right insurance in place can help you replace your belongings and sort the repairs. Think of it as your financial fire blanket.
How can I protect my home from summer fire risks?
Summer is a popular time of year and one of the best times to fire up the grill! But before you unleash your inner chef, there are some things you need to know!
BBQ safety tips
The sun’s out and it’s BBQ time! But remember, safety first. The London Fire Brigade also say you should never BBQ indoors or on a balcony. Keep it on flat ground, well away from anything flammable like sheds and trees.
Avoid using petrol or flammable liquids. Firelighters are a safer choice.
Fire safety tip: Keep mirrors away from windows
You might not think a mirror near a window is a summer fire risk, but it is! Sunlight reflected off mirrors can set light to nearby curtains. To stay safe in summer, make sure mirrors and glass items aren’t facing the sun or positioned where they can reflect light into anything flammable. It’s important you follow all relevant home fire safety tips and know what to do in the event of a fire. If the worst should happen, you’ll be glad you took out home insurance fire coverage.