A simple 12-point checklist to help you stay fire safe at home or work. 

• In commercial premises, consider installing sprinkler systems and mains-connected fire alarms.

• Check smoke alarms work once a week. #TestitTuesday. Hold regular fire drills in your place of work.

• Never leave your washer or dryer on when you are not in the house or when you go to bed.

• Always check your dryer filter is free of lint before you use it.

• Never place your toaster underneath kitchen cupboards since this is a fire risk.

• Never use the cube-style outlet extension cords. These are unsafe.

• Never overload an extension cord with too many appliances.

• Never plug one extension cord into another. 

• Always ensure extension cords are totally uncoiled when in use; otherwise, they can overheat and cause a fire.

• If you have a gas boiler, you need a carbon monoxide alarm. Check this regularly. It must be situated above shoulder height on a wall ideally the same height as the top of a door.

• If you have a gas boiler, get it serviced once a year.

• Consider a fire-safe bedtime routine:

1. Switch off at the wall all electric appliances you are not using, e.g. dryer, kettle, toaster, stereo, etc. (except fridge/freezer)
2. Shut all interior doors in the house before you go to bed to help stop the spread of smoke and fire.
3. Keep cell phone by bed to make emergency calls and a flashlight for emergency escape.
4. Sometimes, smoke alarms go off even if there isn’t a fire, but if your smoke alarm does go off somewhere in the house, don’t open your bedroom door straight away. Feel the middle of the door not the handle to see if it feels hot, in which case there could be a fire. If it’s dark in the hall, shine a flashlight to see if you can see smoke since this will indicate a fire. Try to escape safely.
5. Always keep house keys by the door in case you need to get out in a hurry. Don’t leave them shut in a drawer somewhere.
6. If there is a fire and you can’t escape from the house, try to get everyone into a fire-free room on the road side of the house so you can be rescued more easily. Seal the door with a towel to stop smoke coming in. Open a window to let fresh air in and call for help.