Fire-preventer

Here are some top fire-prevention tips

• Fit smoke alarms on each level in your home. Keep them free from dust and test them once a week. Consider buying a 10-year alarm; otherwise change the batteries in your alarm every year.

• Make a fire action plan so that everyone in your home knows how to escape if there is a fire.

• Keep the exits form your home clear so that people can escape if there is a fire. Make sure that everyone in your home can easily find keys for doors and windows.

• Take extra care in the kitchen - accidents while cooking account for over half of fires in homes. Never leave young children alone in the kitchen.

• Take extra care when cooking with hot oil. Consider buying a deep-fat fryer which is controlled by a thermostat (if you don't already have one).

• Never leave lit candles in rooms that nobody is in or in rooms where children are on their own. Make sure candles are in secure holders on a surface that does not burn and are away from any materials that could burn.

• Make sure cigarettes are stubbed out properly, disposed of carefully and never smoke in bed.

• Get into the habit of closing doors at night. If you want to keep a child's bedroom door open, close the doors to the lounge and kitchen, it may well help save their life if there is a fire.

• Don't overload electrical sockets. Remember one plug for one socket.

• Keep matches and lighters where children cannot see or reach them.

• Take special care when you are tired or when you've been drinking.

• Don't leave the TV or other electrical appliances on standby as this could cause a fire. Always switch it off and unplug when not in use.