Fit smoke alarms on both the ground and any other floor in your home. Make sure they are free from dust and test them regularly. Change the batteries in the alarm/s every year or consider buying a ten year alarm

Make a "fire action plan" of how to escape if there is a fire, show this to all that live in the house

Keep the exits from your home clear so that people can escape if there is a fire. Can everyone in your home can easily find keys for doors and windows?

Accidents while cooking account for more than half of home fires, so always take extra care in the kitchen. Never leave young children alone in the kitchen

Take extra care when cooking with hot oil and consider buying a deep-fat fryer that is controlled by a thermostat. Alternatively, avoid cooking by this method

Never leave lit candles in rooms that nobody is in or in rooms where children are on their own. Make sure candles are in secure holders on a surface that does not burn and are away from any materials that could burn easily

Always make sure cigarettes are stubbed out properly and disposed of carefully. Never smoke in bed!

Get into the habit of closing doors at night. If you want to keep a child's bedroom door open, close the doors to the lounge and kitchen ... it may well help save lives if there is a fire

Don't overload electrical sockets, the rule is one plug for one socket

Keep matches and lighters away from the reach and sight of children

Take special care when you are tired or when you've been drinking

Don't leave the TV or other electrical appliances on standby as this could cause a fire - always switch it off and unplug when not in use

At Christmas time, always switch off tree lights and unplug, when not being used -
take special care when you are tired or if you've been drinking