Fire safety

Fire safety is everyone's responsibility.

Whether you live in a house, bungalow or a flat, taking simple steps can help prevent fires and keep you, your family and your neighbours safe.

This page applies to all homes, including -

• houses
• bungalows
• flats
• privately-owned homes and leaseholds

If you live in a flat or high-rise building, you should also read our fire safety in your flat page for important information about communal areas, fire doors and evacuation arrangements.

Smoking

More deaths are caused by fire from smoking (including cigarettes, roll-ups, cigars and pipes) than any other type of fire. Below are tips on how to keep safe whilst smoking -

• put out your cigarettes completely and dispose of them properly
• it’s safer to smoke outside but, if you have a balcony, do not throw cigarettes and so on over the side, dispose of them safely and responsibly
• never smoke in bed
• take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol
• if you’re feeling tired, do not smoke in armchairs and sofas and do not balance lit cigarettes on the edge of an ashtray or anything else
• run water on your ashtray before you empty it
• if you use a vape, only use the charger that came with it - always check the battery for damage, buy from a reputable seller and don’t leave it charging for extended periods

Heaters

The use of portable heaters should be avoided, however if you do need to use a portable heater, oil filled radiators are recommended to reduce the risk of fire. These have no exposed heating elements and are also designed with safety features to prevent overheating and accidents.such as-

• automatic shut-off
• thermal cut-outs
• tip-over protection

Oil filled radiators provide long-lasting, efficient heat even after being turned off.

If you are to use a portable heater -

• never dry clothes on your heaters or leave them switched on when you are out
• keep heaters well away from curtains, furniture or anything flammable
• do not sit too close to a heater, keep at least one metre away
• when you switch your heater off, let it cool down before moving it

Do not use paraffin, kerosene or Calor gas in portable gas heaters as they can be extremely dangerous. They can increase the risk of fire and explosion and give off carbon monoxide. This can put your life and the lives of your neighbours at risk.

If you live in a council home, you must not use paraffin or petrol heaters, or liquid or bottled gas heaters, in the premises without written consent. To do so would breach the conditions as set out in your tenancy agreement. More information on your tenancy agreement can be found on my tenancy page.

Furniture

When buying or replacing furniture such as sofas and chairs, make sure they contain fire-retardant foam rather than polyurethane foam. You should be able to see this from the label. 

Electrical equipment 

Faulty electrical appliances cause over 3,500 fires in the home every year. Further information including facts and figures can be found on the GOV.UK website.

If you’re concerned about the safety of a product, stop using it and tell the retailer, manufacturer or your local Trading Standards office.

Tips for keeping safe

• make sure all electrical appliances have a British or European safety mark and are kept clean and in good working order 
• buy from trustworthy sources - if you have bought second hand appliances have them checked by a qualified electrician before using them
• if you own your own tumble dryer, ensure you empty fluff (lint filter) regularly in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, cleaning the extractor using a brush or gentle vacuuming
• do not leave handheld heated appliances such as curling tongs, hairdryers and straighteners plugged in after use and leave them to cool on a heatproof surface

Plugs

• keep to one plug per socket - high-powered appliances such as washing machines, should have a single socket to themselves
• plugs should fit tightly into sockets
• plug casing should be free from cracks
• watch out for burn marks or signs of overheating
• the cable should be firmly secured in the plug
• none of the pins should be bent
• when using a new electrical item for the first time the cardboard label on the bottom of the plug should be removed
• plugs shouldn't rattle

Leads

• leads should be free from cuts, fraying and damage
• do not use 2 or 3 way adaptors
• if you're using an extension lead, make sure it's fully uncoiled and not overloaded and do not plug one extension lead into another extension lead

Sockets

• sockets should be free from cracks or other damage
• check them for burn marks and signs of overheating
• make sure they're properly secured to the wall
• make sure the switch works properly

Lighting

• check that your light fittings or lamp holders are not visibly damaged, scorched or corroded
• check downlighters and their surroundings for signs of overheating such as curled labels and discolouration or scorching

Candles

Candles are naked flames. Candles cause over 800 fires in Uk homes every year.

Take care when lighting candles. Remember -

• never place candles on top of electrical appliances
• if you use candles, ensure they are kept away from materials that might catch fire, such as curtains or furniture and are kept out of reach of children or pets
• to make sure all candles are completely put out before leaving a room, especially before going to bed

Flammable items

Flammable items are substances, materials or processes which can burn or explode, and should not be brought into homes.

Do not bring in or store any -

• paraffin heaters
• liquid or bottled gas heaters
• petrol
• other dangerous materials

The only exception is when they are needed for medical purposes, and the equipment has been prescribed by a medical practitioner

Do not use fireworks inside.

If you live in a council home, you must not keep -

• petrol
• paraffin
• liquid or bottled gas
• any other flammable materials

at the premises except where necessary for normal domestic purposes, for medical purposes where the equipment has been prescribed by a registered medical practitioner or for use in heaters without written consent.

To do so, would breach the conditions as set out in your tenancy agreement.  

Mobility scooters, motorcycles, mopeds, e-bikes and e-scooters

The number of incidents, including fatal fires, that are caused by not storing or charging mobility scooters, e-bikes and e-scooters properly, is rising. That is why, if you use one and keep it at home, you need to follow these essential do’s and don’ts.

• mobility scooters should be maintained and regularly serviced.
• do not store mobility scooters, e-bikes or e-scooters near the entrance to your home or anywhere near an escape route - if you have a garage or shed, store them there
• when you are charging the lithium batteries it’s vital that your battery and charger meet UK safety standards, and you should only buy official batteries from a reputable seller
• do not modify your battery or charger in any way – always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
• as soon as your mobility scooter, e-bike or e-scooter is charged, unplug the charger - never leave them charging unattended or overnight
• make sure there’s a smoke alarm in the area where you charge your mobility scooter, e-bike or e-scooter and test it regularly. You can ensure further protection by using a fire bag for mobility scooters, e-bikes and e-scooters often referred to as fireproof bags or fire containment bags which are designed to reduce the risk of fire spread, particularly when charging lithium-ion batteries
• if the battery on your vehicle has been damaged from impact, improper storage, or overheating from extreme temperatures it can cause a fire or even an explosion

E-bike or e-scooter batteries can also catch fire even when they are not charging.

Lithium batteries are used on e-scooters, e-bikes and some mobility scooters and they are one of the fastest growing causes of fires. If a fire starts, it spreads very quickly and it can be extremely difficult to escape from. When involved in a fire, lithium batteries generate toxic gases, including carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. As these gases look like steam, you might not even be aware of the danger if you're close by.

Symptoms of exposure can include -

• headaches
• dizziness
• nausea
• confusion
• rapid breathing
• shortness of breath
• chest tightness or feeling of suffocation
• disorientation
• bizarre behaviour

In the event of a fire caused by a mobility scooter, e-bike or e-scotter -

• get out, stay out and call 999 immediately
• do not breathe in the toxic fumes
• do not attempt to extinguish the fire or move the burning device
• close doors behind you as you leave, if safe to do so, to help contain the fire

For guidance on lithium batteries see –

• Humberside fire and rescue's Lithium battery guidance
• National Fire Chiefs Council's (NFCC) advice on e-bike and e-scooter fire safety
•  a YouTube video on the effects of a lithium battery fire

Barbecues

Warm weather and lighter evenings are a perfect time to light a barbecue. We have a few tips which will reduce the risk of fire during or after cooking -

• always let your barbecue cool down before taking it back indoors – it can stay hot and release carbon monoxide fumes for several hours
• never store or use a barbecue including disposable on a balcony, they pose a fire and carbon monoxide risk
• keep an eye on children and pets to avoid any accidents
• if you're enjoying an alcoholic drink, be sure to stay alert around the barbecue – it’s easy to lose concentration, and taking care can help avoid any mishaps

If you live in a council home, you must not light fires in the premises, except in a portable barbecue or other similar appropriate equipment situated in the yard or garden and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.  To do so, would breach the conditions as set out in your tenancy agreement.

Find more tips on Barbecue safety on the Humberside Fire and Rescue website.

Oxygen 

If you use medical oxygen at home for health reasons, below are some guidelines you should follow in relation to fire prevention -

• do not smoke, set fire to anything, light a candle or turn your cooker on whilst using an oxygen mask
• keep oxygen at least two meters (six feet) away from heat sources such as cookers, candles and lighters
• do not use flammable products whilst using an oxygen mask
• store oxygen cylinders upright and secure

Cooking

More fires and fire injuries are caused by carelessness in the kitchen than anywhere else in the home

If you must leave the kitchen whilst you’re cooking, do not leave pans unattended. The safest thing to do is switch off the hob and take pans off the heat until you come back in.

We have put together some tips for when you are cooking -

• when you’ve finished cooking, double-check that everything is off – including the oven and hob - and that any hot surfaces are clear
• be careful of wearing loose clothing when you cook and keep tea towels and dish cloths clear of the hob or cooker
• never dry towels on or near a cooker
• over time, grease can build up in the oven, hob and extractor -keeping them clean will reduce the risk of fire
• do not cook if you’re feeling -
  • tired
  • have been drinking alcohol
  • are on medication that makes you feel drowsy
• never allow cables to trail across a cooker
• if you use a toaster, make sure it’s not directly below cupboards when in use
• if you use an air fryer, clean the appliance regularly and ensure it is placed on a stable heat-resistant surface with good ventilation and never leave it unattended while cooking
• always keep cleaning materials and cooking oils away from sources of heat and electrical sockets

You need to be especially careful when you are deep-fat frying or cooking with oil because hot oil can catch fire easily. Make sure you don’t fill a chip pan or other deep-fat fryer more than one-third full of oil. Use a thermostat-controlled deep-fat fryer, which will make sure the fat does not get too hot. You can find more guidance on fire safety whilst cooking on the Humberside fire and rescure website.

Emollient skin products (for example, petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil and dimethicone)

Emollient skin products are moisturizing treatments including creams, ointments, and lotions designed to soothe, hydrate, and soften dry, itchy, or scaly skin by forming a protective, moisture-trapping layer.

Whilst these products are safe to use, they can soak into clothing, dressings and bedding, leaving a flammable residue.

If you use these types of products for health reasons, follow the advice provided with your medication. Here are some guidelines you should follow in relation to fire prevention -

• avoid smoking or using naked flames (and being near to others who do) whilst these products are in contact with your clothes, dressings or bandages
• make sure clothes and bedding are changed regularly (if possible, daily), as the skin product soaks into fabrics and is a potential fire hazard
• take care to make sure that the product does not soak into chairs or other furniture
• do not sit too close to open fires or portable heaters

Festive fire safety

Christmas trees -

• If you have a live tree, remember it can dry out and become a fire hazard, so make sure you - 
  • keep it well-watered.
  • place it away from heat sources.
  • dispose of it after the festive period - trees can be taken to your household waste recycling centre or chopped up and put in your brown bin
  • turn off all lights before you go to bed and whenever you go out
  • be careful not to overload sockets with lots of plugs from multiple strings of lights
  • do not let the bulbs touch anything that can easily burn

Paper chains and other decorations -

• wherever you decide to put your decorations, make sure they're well away from heaters, lights, candles and fireplaces
• if you live in a flat, do not hang wreaths or any decorations on your flat doors or communal areas

Fancy dress -

• if you are hosting or attending a party that involves buying a fancy dress outfit, check first that it's fire retardant in accordance with the EN71-2 safety standard

If there is a fire in your home leave immediately close all doors and windows and call 999.