Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service

Keeping Your Home Safe From Fire.

Night time checks

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Night time checks

Make sure your smoke alarms are working, check them once a month

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Check that all cigarettes are out and ashtrays have a little water in them and never smoke in bed

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Check that you have immediate access to your door keys and a phone if possible

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Do not cook if you have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs, or if you feel very tired

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Check that you have closed all doors

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Check that all electrical equipment which is not designed to be left on overnight is turned off

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Avoid using your washing machine, tumble dryer, or dishwasher overnight

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Check that your fire and heaters are turned off, as well as your cooker

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Check that your exit routes are clear

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Never leave cooking unattended

Don't let fat and grease build up on the cooker, especially in the grill pan

Never hang tea towels on or over the cooker

Do not cook when you have been drinking alcohol or taking medication

Never allow children in the kitchen unsupervised

Check that pan handles are not sticking over the edge of the cooker where they could be easily knocked off

Hot oil is particularly dangerous. Never fill a pan more than one third full and don't throw water on it if it does catch fire

Check cookers are turned off when you're not using them

Check that wires are not hanging from benches where they could easily be caught

Protect yourself and your family from the devastating effects of fire by installing a smoke alarm today.

What can you do?

Most fires are preventable. By taking some simple precautions, you can reduce the risk to yourself, your family and your home.

Fires are more likely to start during religious and cultural celebrations, so it’s even more important to take our advice at these times. Find out more about celebrating safely.

Don’t forget that if a fire does start, smoke alarms save lives.

Home Fire Safety Check

This easy-to-follow home fire safety check has been developed through a partnership between the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Fire Kills and Safelincs. It will take you through your home one room at a time and the simple questions will help you spot fire risks as you go around your home.

The tool will offer tips and advice on the steps you can take to reduce those risks. At the end, you will receive a personalised fire safety action plan to help keep you and your household safe from fire.

View our Home Fire Safety Check here

What can

Fitting and Maintaining a Smoke Alarm

Where to fit a smoke alarm

every level of your home
away from kitchens or bathrooms where smoke/steam can accidentally set them off
approximately 30cm from the wall, on the ceiling

Maintaining a smoke alarm

weekly tests (press the button until the alarm sounds)
annual battery changes
replacing the alarm every 10 years
never disconnecting or removing batteries
keeping the alarm free from dust

Types of smoke alarm

standard battery operated alarms (this is the cheapest option)
an alarm with 10-year batteries (this is the best option for those who forget to change batteries annually)
hard-wired alarms powered by home power supply (required installation by a qualified electrician)
strobe light and vibrating pad alarms for those who are deaf/hard of hearing