Fire Safety at Home

• Fire doors protect you, your family and your neighbours.
• Heavy for a reason—handle with care.
• Let it close—don’t wedge it open.
• Keep it intact—no drilling or modifications.
• Problem with your door? Call 0300 303 1717

• Wired into your home’s electrical supply, checked annually.
• Test weekly with the test button.
• Do not tamper with alarms.
• For advice or a free home check, call 0800 169 1234 or visit South Wales Fire & Rescue

• Never leave cooking unattended; turn down heat or remove pans if leaving.
• Keep pan handles in and tea towels away from the cooker.
• Avoid loose clothing near hot surfaces.
• Deep fat frying: food must be dry, don’t overheat oil, use a thermostat fryer.

If a pan catches fire:
1. Don’t move it.
2. Never use water or an extinguisher on hot fat.
3. Turn off the heat if safe.
4. Leave the kitchen, close the door, get everyone out, call 999.

• Use the correct fuse for plugs; check appliances for safety marks.
• Don’t overload sockets; one plug per socket.
• Inspect leads/plugs for wear; replace damaged wires.
• Switch off and unplug appliances when not in use.
• Electric blankets: flat or rolled storage, thermostatic control for overnight use.
• Keep portable heaters away from furnishings/escape routes.

• Only use the correct charger supplied or approved by the manufacturer.
• Charge devices on a hard, flat surface and keep them away from flammable materials.
• Never leave batteries charging unattended or overnight.
• Keep batteries away from heat and water; store in a cool, dry place.
• Check for damage – if a battery is swollen, leaking or damaged, do not use it.
• Unplug devices once fully charged to prevent overheating.
• Make sure smoke alarms are fitted and working near charging areas.

If a battery overheats or catches fire:

1. Do not touch or move it.

2. Get everyone out of the room immediately.

3. Close the door if safe to do so.

4. Call 999.

• Keep corridors, stairwells and shared spaces clear at all times.
• Do not store or charge e-scooters, e-bikes or e-cigarettes in communal areas.
• Store all personal belongings inside your home or in your allocated space.
• Items left in communal areas may be removed for safety and stored for collection.

Furniture: Look for fire-resistant labels.

Smoking:

• Stub cigarettes properly; never smoke in bed.
• Use stable ashtrays; keep matches/lighters away from children.

Candles:

• Never leave lit candles unattended; use proper holders.
• Keep at least 10cm between candles; extinguish safely with a snuffer or spoon.

• Keep keys accessible and plan two escape routes.
• Practice the plan with children; keep exits clear.
• Keep doors closed at night.

If a fire starts:

• Stay calm, get everyone out, crawl under smoke if needed.
• Once outside, call 999.
• Do not go back inside.

If escape is blocked:

• Go to one room, block smoke, open windows, shout for help.
• Ground/first floor: lower yourself safely if needed.

High-rise flats:

• Avoid lifts and balconies.
• Keep corridors clear; know where alarms are.
• Stay put unless your flat is affected or instructed otherwise.

If your home is being affected by fire or smoke and your escape route IS CLEAR:

• Get everyone out, close all windows and doors and walk calmly out of the building.
• Do not use the lift, if one is present.
• Call 999, give your address, the number of your flat and state which floor the fire is on.

If there is a fire or smoke inside your home but your escape route IS NOT CLEAR:

Purpose-built maisonettes or blocks of flats are built to give you some protection from fire. Walls, floors and doors can hold back flames and smoke for 30 to 60 minutes.

• You are usually safer staying put in your flat and calling 999.
• Tell the fire brigade where you are and the best way to reach you.
• If you are within the common parts of the building, leave and call 999.

If there is a fire in another part of the building:

Purpose-built maisonettes or blocks of flats are built to give you some protection from fire. Walls, floors and doors can hold back flames and smoke for 30 to 60 minutes.

• You are usually safer staying put in your flat and calling 999.
• Tell the fire brigade where you are and the best way to reach you.
• If you are within the common parts of the building, leave and call 999.

Call us on  0300 303 1717 | talktous@taicalon.org

South Wales Fire & Rescue: 0800 169 1234 | www.southwales-fire.gov.uk

Protect Your Belongings with Home Contents Insurance

Your home is more than just a building — it’s where your belongings, memories, and everyday life are. Home contents insurance will help protect the items in your home. It covers your personal possessions against risks such as fire, theft, or accidental damage, giving you peace of mind. Learn more here: www.taicalon.org/home-contents-insurance/