Keeping Your Family and Home Safe: A Simple Fire Safety Checklist

Fire safety is a fundamental aspect of home protection, yet it is often overlooked until it is too late. Every year, preventable house fires lead to significant loss - of property, safety, and, tragically, lives. By following a simple and practical fire safety checklist, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of fire incidents and ensure the wellbeing of their loved ones. At PIB Private Clients, we are committed to helping families safeguard what matters most. Below is a comprehensive yet easy-to-follow checklist designed to enhance your household’s fire preparedness.

Install and maintain smoke alarms

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
• Test alarms monthly to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Replace batteries at least once a year, or when the low battery warning sounds.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Tip: Consider interconnected alarms that sound simultaneously when one is triggered.

Create and practise a fire escape plan

• Develop a clear escape plan with at least two exit routes from every room.
• Ensure all family members are familiar with the plan, including children.
• Conduct fire drills at least twice a year, simulating both daytime and nighttime scenarios.
• Agree on a safe meeting point outside the home where everyone can gather after exiting.

Use electrical appliances safely

• Avoid overloading power outlets and extension cords.
• Unplug appliances when not in use, particularly high-heat devices such as toasters, irons, and heaters.
• Check for damaged cords and replace any that are frayed or worn.
• Hire a qualified electrician to inspect your home’s wiring if you notice flickering lights, burning smells, or frequent blown fuses.

Practice kitchen fire safety

• Never leave cooking unattended, especially when using oil or high heat.
• Keep flammable items (like paper towels and curtains) away from stovetops.
• Have a fire blanket or extinguisher readily accessible in the kitchen.
• Clean oven and stovetop surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup, which can ignite.

Be cautious with heating and open flames

• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything flammable.
• Never leave candles burning unattended, and use stable holders placed on heat-resistant surfaces.
• Extinguish fireplaces fully before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Install fireguards around open fires, particularly in homes with children or pets.

Store flammable materials safely

• Store matches, lighters, and flammables (e.g., gasoline, cleaning fluids) in secure, cool, dry areas away from children.
• Keep them in original containers, clearly labelled, and away from ignition sources

Equip your home with fire safety tools

• Fire extinguishers - you may wish to consider installing these within your property especially in kitchen and near exits.
• Learn how to use them properly, and ensure everyone in the household is aware of their location.
• Consider additional protection, such as heat detectors or a home sprinkler system for larger or high-risk properties.

Barbecues, bonfires and firepits

As the weather warms up, and our thoughts turn to outside entertaining, it’s important to make sure you stay safe and secure.

• Never use your barbecues inside, and keep them away from any flammable objects (including neighbouring fences and sheds) and keep an eye on them at all times. If you have a gas-fuelled barbecue, make sure to regularly check for gas leaks. You’ll always want to clean the barbecue after every use.
• For firepits and bonfires, choose a site away from wooden fences, sheds and where children will be playing.
• Never use paraffin or petrol, and keep a bucket of water close by in case of an accident. You can use this to extinguish the fire later, rather than leaving it to burn out.

Safety starts with preparation—and a few simple steps can make all the difference.