Staying safe information guide
No one wants to feel unsafe, especially when we’re in our own homes. Unfortunately, as we get older, we might start...
There's lots you can do at home to help prevent fires and stay safe using gas and electrical appliances. Even some simple measures can bring you peace of mind as well as keeping you safer.
There are lots of simple things you can do to prevent fires and better protect yourself and your home.
Some Fire and Rescue services offer a Home Fire Risk Check to help you install smoke alarms, plan escape routes and assess hazards. Contact your local services to find out more.
If a fire does start in your home, don’t panic and don't try to tackle it yourself. Remember the fire service advice: get out, stay out and call 999.
You shouldn't go back into a room or building that's on fire under any circumstances.
You could ask your local fire service whether they provide and fit free smoke alarms as part of a home safety scheme – known as Safe and Well in some areas.
Your local Age UK can give advice on contacting your local fire service. They may also have further information and advice on fire safety.
Gas appliances be dangerous, so it's important to take precautions to stay safe:
Find Gas Safe registered engineers using their online directory
Appliances that burn gas, coal, oil or wood can give off carbon monoxide if they’re not working properly. Low exposure can cause long-term health problems – while high exposure can cause poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is known as a ‘silent killer’ because you can’t see, taste or smell it. Instead, look out for yellow or brown staining, a lazy yellow or orange gas flame rather than a sharp blue flame, or too much moisture in the room.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include a headache, feeling sick, and a sore throat and dry cough. If you’re worried that you might have carbon monoxide poisoning, call 999 straight away.
To keep yourself safe, install a carbon monoxide in each room with a gas appliance – make sure it bears the Kitemark and European Standard number BS EN 50291. Test them at least monthly.
If you suspect carbon monoxide is present, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. If you have solid fuel heating, call a solid fuel engineer. Contact the Solid Fuel Association for a list of its registered members.
Most homes have lots of appliances plugged in. There's plenty you can do to make sure that yours are safe.
Electric blankets can cause fires, so it's important to use them carefully. Check whether yours can be left on overnight – if it can't, switch it off and unplug it when you go to bed. Check for danger signs such as fraying fabric or scorch marks. Never switch it on if it's wet or could get wet (if you've just had a bath or shower, for instance) and don't use it with a hot water bottle.
You should get your electric blanket tested by an expert at least every 3 years and replace it every 10 years. The shop where you bought the blanket or your local Trading Standards office may be able to test it.
Find your local Trading Standards office on the GOV.UK website
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.
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