Fire safety

Fire safety

There are things you can do around your home to help keep you safe from fire. 

Cooking

• If you are tired or have been drinking alcohol, try to avoid cooking – you risk falling asleep and leaving your oven on which could cause a fire.
• Never leave your cooker unattended, ensure it is switched off if you go out.
• Clean the grill pan after use to avoid build up of fat deposits.
• Keep the area around the cooker clear and never leave any electrical wires or cords near the cooker.

Smoking

• Don’t leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended - take care to extinguish them in a suitable container.
• Never smoke in bed or in a chair if you are tired – people dozing off while smoking are the most common causes of house fires. If you do feel tired, smoke outside or stand up and smoke at a window or outside door.

Before going to bed

• Make sure you switch off and unplug any portable heaters and electrical appliances and switch off any cooking equipment.
• Close all doors, in the event of a fire this will help stop the fire spreading and keep areas free from smoke.
• If possible, make sure you have access to a phone – but do not charge the phone while you are sleeping.
• Make sure any lit candles are extinguished.
• If you have an electric blanket, switch it off when you get in bed. Check your blanket for damage like scorch marks or exposed wires. Never use an electric blanket and a hot water bottle together.

Fire safety tips

• Have a fire escape plan – think about how you would get out the house if you were to have a fire.
• Check your smoke alarms are working. Replace batteries if necessary. Contact Horizon if you have any concerns.
• At night, keep a torch handy in case of a power outage and make sure the main door keys are close at hand.
• Keep common areas and stairways clear and free from any fire hazards, please contact us if you see anything being stored or left in common areas and stairs – this could hinder your escape in the event of a fire.
• If you have gas heating or gas appliances, you should also fit a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
• Keep portable heaters and candles away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.