Fire Safety

When a fire starts in a home, every second counts. The heat and smoke can create confusion and panic and deciding who should do what in the moment is not easy. Having an escape plan means that everyone can get out quickly and safely.

It doesn’t take long to make an escape plan, and it could save lives.

Owner of an E-Bike or E-Scooter? Be Aware of the Fire Risks.

We advise you to consider the following key safety messages to reduce the likelihood of fires from occurring.

Buy e-bikes, e-scooters and chargers and batteries from reputable retailers. Many fires involve counterfeit electrical goods. Always check the items meet British or European standards. Items which don't meet these standards pose a huge fire risk.
Unplug your charger when it’s finished charging and don’t over charge it.
Never charge batteries whilst you are asleep or away from home.
Don’t charge or store your e-bike/scooter near flammable materials.
Do not overload socket outlets or use inappropriate extension leads.

Bedtime check to prevent fire hazards

Before going to bed, you can help keep your family safe by checking your home for potential fire hazards. This will only take a few minutes, but it can help keep everyone safe while you sleep.

Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances not designed to be left on overnight
Close all doors—it can keep your escape route free from smoke and may stop a fire from spreading
Put fireguards around open fires
Switch off any portable heaters and electric blankets unless it’s marked ‘suitable for all night use.’

What should I do in an emergency?

Always phone 999
Stay low to the floor where the air is cleaner and cooler.
Shout to warn your family or anyone nearby – even outside.
If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop down and roll on the ground until the flames go out.
If someone else’s clothing catches light, use a blanket, rug or thick coat to put out the flames.

Page last updated: 20 September 2024

Fire Safety

When a fire starts in a home, every second counts. The heat and smoke can create confusion and panic and deciding who should do what in the moment is not easy. Having an escape plan means that everyone can get out quickly and safely.

It doesn’t take long to make an escape plan, and it could save lives.

Owner of an E-Bike or E-Scooter? Be Aware of the Fire Risks.

We advise you to consider the following key safety messages to reduce the likelihood of fires from occurring.

Buy e-bikes, e-scooters and chargers and batteries from reputable retailers. Many fires involve counterfeit electrical goods. Always check the items meet British or European standards. Items which don't meet these standards pose a huge fire risk.

Unplug your charger when it’s finished charging and don’t over charge it.

Never charge batteries whilst you are asleep or away from home.

Don’t charge or store your e-bike/scooter near flammable materials.

Do not overload socket outlets or use inappropriate extension leads.

Bedtime check to prevent fire hazards

Before going to bed, you can help keep your family safe by checking your home for potential fire hazards. This will only take a few minutes, but it can help keep everyone safe while you sleep.

Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances not designed to be left on overnight

Close all doors—it can keep your escape route free from smoke and may stop a fire from spreading

Put fireguards around open fires

Switch off any portable heaters and electric blankets unless it’s marked ‘suitable for all night use.’

What should I do in an emergency?

Always phone 999

Stay low to the floor where the air is cleaner and cooler.

Shout to warn your family or anyone nearby – even outside.

If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop down and roll on the ground until the flames go out.

If someone else’s clothing catches light, use a blanket, rug or thick coat to put out the flames.