How to prepare against a fire
Steps you can take to protect yourself, your household, and your property against fire.
Check for fire risks
Complete an online home fire safety check. This will help you spot risks around your home and give you advice on how to reduce those risks.
Home fire safety visits
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) offer free home fire safety visits. These are for Norfolk residents who are more at risk of a fire. For example, people who have a disability that could make it more difficult for them to react to a fire.
The first step is to complete the online home fire safety check. If you qualify for a visit the online form will ask you:
- To fill in your contact details
- If you're happy for NFRS to have your details
If you fill in these details and submit, NFRS will contact you to book in a home fire safety visit.
Install smoke alarms and test them regularly
Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home. Test them at least once a month to make sure they are working.
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service provide advice on buying, fitting and testing smoke alarms.
Plan your escape routes
Create a fire escape plan, and make this part of your household emergency plan.
Practice your escape routes and make sure everyone knows them. Always keep exits clear.
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service explain how to create a fire escape plan
Don't overload sockets
Overloading sockets, extension cords or power strips increases the risk of fire. Even if there is space to plug in a number of appliances, it isn't always safe to do so.
You can use the Socket Overload Calculator to check if you're exceeding the maximum load.
Use the Socket Overload Calculator from Electrical Safety First
Take care when using candles
Never leave a candle unattended.
- Always place candles in a proper holder
- Do not leave them in a draught or in front of curtains
- Keep them away from clothing, bedding, and other combustible materials
- Make sure they are out of the reach of children and pets
Follow candle safety advice from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service
Clear debris and clutter
Remove debris from near your home, including under decks and patios and from gutters. Make sure you do this regularly.
Using batteries and chargers
Lithium-ion batteries can increase the risk of fire in the home. They're commonly used to charge devices such as:
- Phones, tablets and laptops
- Mobility scooters
- e-bikes and e-scooters
- e-cigarettes and vapes
How to avoid battery fires
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging and using your device
- Only use the manufacturer-approved battery and charger. Buy these from a trusted seller and make sure they meet UK product safety requirements.
- Charge your device on a flat, solid, and stable surface
- Avoid leaving devices unattended while they are charging
- Don't charge e-bikes and e-scooters in bedrooms or anywhere they could block an escape route
Report a fire
If there is a fire in your home: get out, stay out, and call 999.
Webpages and links related to How to prepare against a fire
What to do if there's a fire in your home
Recovery after a fire
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