Did you know that there are around 34,000 house fires a year in the UK? This is according to alarm company ADT, which also found that the main sources of house fires were cooking appliances and electrical issues.
To prevent a fire at your home, it’s recommended to carry out regular fire safety checks and stay up to date with best practices. The good news is that most checks and maintenance steps are quick and easy to do – you just need to remember to do them.
Here, we’ll run through your essential home fire safety checklist for 2025, covering everything from smoke alarms to fire extinguishers.
1. Check Your Smoke Alarms
The first place to start is by checking your smoke alarms throughout your home. You should aim to:
- Test all alarms monthly
- Replace batteries annually or when prompted by a low-battery alert – this may be a beeping sound, flashing light, or both
- Install alarms on every level of the home, especially near bedrooms and the kitchen
- Replace the entire unit every 10 years.
2. Install and Maintain Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odourless gas, which can be lethal. Possible causes include leaks or faulty installation from boilers, cookers, heaters, and wood burners. This is why installing, testing, and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors is so crucial.
Here are some things to remember:
- Place CO detectors outside sleeping areas
- Choose dual-function detectors (smoke and CO) for added convenience.
- Check for digital readouts and smart alerts.
3. Keep Fire Extinguishers Handy
Every home should have at least one multipurpose fire extinguisher. Make sure to keep it in an easily accessible spot – the kitchen is a good choice, but you might also want to have an additional extinguisher in high-risk areas such as garages or workshops.
You should:
- Make sure that everyone in the household knows how to use the fire extinguisher (remember PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
- Check the pressure gauge monthly.
- Replace or service the extinguisher if it’s expired or damaged.
4. Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan
Having an escape plan can make the difference between life and death in an emergency. Despite this, many families never get around to making or practicing one.
Here’s how to get started:
- Map out two escape routes from every room (where possible)
- Ensure all windows and doors open easily
- Designate a safe meeting spot outside
- Practice the plan at least twice a year with everyone in the household.
5. Keep Exits Clear and Accessible
A cluttered hallway or blocked window can slow down escape efforts. So you should make it a habit to:
- Avoid storing items near doors or stairwells
- Keep pathways and hallways free of obstacles
- Ensure window locks are easy to operate in a hurry, and that everyone knows where the keys are. It’s also a good idea to keep lots of spare keys around the house.
6. Be Smart with Electrical Appliances
Faulty or misused electrical appliances are a leading cause of house fires. However, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent problems, such as:
- Avoid overloading outlets or extension cords.
- Unplug small appliances when not in use, and don’t leave appliances on standby (this can help you save money on electricity bills too)
- Inspect cords for damage and replace them if frayed
- Use C E-certified devices and avoid counterfeit chargers
- Get household electricals PAT tested
- Consider rewiring – if your electrical systems are old or outdated, it could be worth bringing in an electrician to see if a rewire is necessary.
7. Practice Safe Cooking Habits
Kitchen fires, especially from unattended cooking, are one of the most common causes of residential fires.
To prevent them, you should:
- Stay in the kitchen when frying or grilling, and never leave the hob or oven unsupervised – especially when children or pets are around
- Keep flammable items away from the stove.
- Have a fire blanket and extinguisher nearby to smother flames.
8. Review Heating Sources
When the colder months arrive, a new fire hazard emerges in the home. Heating equipment can potentially be dangerous if a few simple rules aren’t followed:
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything flammable.
- Never leave heaters running unattended, and never dry clothes on them
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned yearly if you use a fireplace.
Ultimately, fire safety isn’t something you do once and forget about – it’s an ongoing process. It’s surprising how many basic precautions get overlooked – but having a trusted provider for fire safety services can make the whole process easier. They can help with inspections, alarm installations, fire risk assessments and even training for your household.
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