Safety at night

Conduct a bedtime safety check

You're three times more likely to be killed in a fire that starts during the night. So before your head hits the pillow, make it your evening routine to conduct a bedtime safety check which takes into consideration some essential factors.

• Switch off and unplug all appliances that can be switched off especially the oven, grill and hob.
• Don’t leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher running overnight (they can be a fire risk because of their high wattage, friction and motors).
• Turn off all gas and electric heaters, and put a guard in front of an open fire.
• Check that candles are out, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms, never leave one burning when you go to sleep. Never use a candle as a nightlight.
• Make sure that any cigarettes, cigars and pipes have been put out properly, and NEVER smoke in bed. You could fall asleep and accidentally set fire to your bedding.
• Close all doors. By shutting doors you can keep your escape route free from fire. This is particularly important in homes where you would not be able to escape from a window, for example if you live in a high rise flat or a three-storey house.
• Check your escape route is clear of obstacles and make sure door and window keys are in place.
• Turn off your electric blanket (unless it has a thermostat and is designed to be left on overnight). Keep electic blankets well maintained and check them for damage before use. Always follow the manufacturers operating instructions. Replace your electric blanket if it's over 10 years old.
• Take your mobile phone with you; you might need it in the event of a fire.
• In the event of you or your family’s pyjamas or nightwear catching fire, remember to stop, drop to the floor and roll to put out the flames. To stay safe, check out the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform's website at www.berr.gov.uk for guidance on nightwear labelling. A label that reads ‘low flammability’ doesn’t indicate a completely flameproof product.
• Just before you go to bed, do a final check and make sure everything is safe.

Bedroom safety

• Don't overload power sockets.
• Make sure electrical sockets are not loose and check that plugs are fitted with the correct fuse for the appliance.
• Never leave hairdryers, straighteners or curling tongs switched on and unattended.  
• Don't allow electrical appliances or cables near water. 
• Keep heaters and fires a safe distance from furniture and curtains.
• Never dry clothes too near to heaters or fires or position clothes where they could fall onto a heat source. 
• Always stand candles in a flame proof container.
• Never place lit candles near flammable material or where they can be knocked over. Never leave candles unattended.
• Never drape material over a table lamp to create subdued lighting.

For more information about fire safety or to book a FREE home fire risk assessment visit the Fire Gateway website at www.fire.gov.uk.