Even with the best Insurance and the most helpful emergency support, the experience of a FIRE can be very upsetting. Here are a few suggestions that you might follow in order to reduce the chances of something going seriously wrong.

Smoke Detectors save lives. Fit at least two devices, one within the ground floor hall and one in the upstairs landing, preferably close to the head of the stairs.
Remember to check the batteries are still effective at least once every three months and lightly vacuum clean the elements at least once a year.

Check your Electric Sockets. If you discover too many plugs hanging off one power point, spread them around or have more power points added. Consider having an additional residual circuit breaker.

If you have open fires, have the Chimneys swept regularly. Use a fire guard when children are around or when drying clothes.

Don't let Children play with matches or fire.

Dont leave hot fat or oil unattended on the cooker; if it catches fire, smother it with a fire blanket or damp cloth - not water.

Never use a gas appliance if you think it's not working properly. Signs to look out for are soot and stains around the appliance and pilot lights that often blow out. Never cover it or block the air vents.

Have your heating system and all gas appliances serviced regularly.

Purchase a good quality fire extinguisher.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS ON COMMON STAIRS

We are increasingly concerned about the number of bicycles, and other obstacles, being left on stair landings which might obstruct evacuation in the event of fire. Obviously, there are also concerns in relation to damage to the fabric of the property and, in particular, decoration and carpets. There also appears to be an increasing tendency to place small items of furniture on stair landings, and we must ask all proprietors to consider whether these genuinely represent an obstruction and, if so, arrange to have them removed.