Fire Safety in the Home

As valuable as having a fire in the home is, it’s important to make sure you’re always as safe as possible and are taking the correct precautions to prevent any fire-related damage or accidents. Here are some helpful tips on how to keep your fires running efficiently all year round whilst keeping you and your home safe!

Cleaning your appliance

Depending on your appliance and the fuel you use, it’s important to ensure they’re well maintained and cleaned to prevent any damage to your appliance or even worse, your home.

• If you use Smokeless Coal, your chimney should be swept at least once a year; if you use wood, up to four times a year, and if you use bituminous coal, it should be swept twice a year.
• Wood burning stoves should be cleaned at least twice a year and three times a year if used regularly.
• If you use a fire-pit all year round, it’s a good idea to deep clean it every 6 months. We recommend cleaning your fire-pit in Spring to ensure it’s ready for the warmer months.

Invest in fire safety equipment

• Fire safety equipment should be installed in every home, but especially if you have a fireplace or log burner. Investing in fire extinguishers and fire blankets is a great way to make sure you’re equipped appropriately should an accident occur.
• Make sure your smoke alarm is working properly and do regular tests. Ensure it conforms to British Standard 5446, Part 1 (BS 5446-1), if not then we recommend buying a new one.
• Fit a carbon monoxide detector in your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result from burning all fossil fuels, not just gas fires and boilers, so you’ll need a detector even if you just have an open fire.

Take precautions before going to bed

• Always make sure fires or hot embers are under control and guarded.
• Store logs away from solid fuel burners, as radiated heat can cause them to burn.
• Keep clothing and any fabrics away from fires to prevent them from catching alight.
• Close all internal doors before you go to bed to prevent any fire that could potentially occur overnight from spreading.
• Keep door and window keys where everyone in the household can find them, should you need to escape the home.

Taking these small, easy precautions makes a huge difference in preventing the likeliness of a fire, ensuring that you, your home, and your appliance is safe!