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Did you know?
- People living in rented or shared accommodation are seven times more likely to have a fire.
- About 400 people a year die in accidental house fires.
- Not having a working smoke alarm doubles your risk of death.
- Faulty electrics cause around 7,000 house fires a year.
- Candles cause more than 5 fires a day.
Landlords' obligations to keep your home safe from fire
- If you live in privately rented accommodation, your landlord has to meet certain safety obligations under the law. This includes making sure all gas and electric appliances are safe and in good working order.
- Gas appliances should be checked by a Corgi registered gas fitter every year.
- Electrical appliances should carry the British Safety Standard sign.
- Your landlord should also ensure furnishings are fire resistant and meet safety regulations.
- Your landlord must show you safety certificates so you can see when gas and electrical appliances were last checked.
- Your landlord must supply a carbon monoxide detector and test it regularly. You can't see, feel or smell carbon monoxide but it can be fatal if you breath it in. A detector will let you know if any carbon monoxide is present in your home.
If you are worried your landlord isn't doing enough to ensure your safety contact the environmental health officer at your local council for advice. You can find their contact details at www.direct.gov.uk
Smoke alarms save lives
You are personnally responsible for making sure there is a working smoke alarm fitted in your home. Test the batteries every week, change them every year and never remove them.
Be careful with electrics
Avoid overloading sockets. Keep to one plug per socket.
- Use a proper adaptor when using a non UK electrical appliance. Never put two prong plugs into three prong sockets.
- Don't use heaters for drying clothes and keep them a safe distance away to avoid them catching fire.
- Inform your landlord immediately if you are concerned about the electrics in your property, for example, if you notice burn marks around plugs or cables.
- Don't fix faulty electrics yourself. Inform your landlord or call a qualified electrician.
Stay safe with candles and cigarettes
Make sure cigarettes are put out properly after you have finished with them.
- Be extra careful if you have been drinking alcohol or taking medication which may have made you drowsy.
- Be careful with candles and tea lights. Avoid placing them on or near materials that could burn or catch fire - like curtains.
Plan an escape route
Plan an escape route and make sure everyone knows how to escape. It could save your life.
- Establish where the fire exits and alarms are if you live in a large or high level building.
- Count how many doors you might need to go through to escape. It can be hard to see in smoke and you might become confused about where you are.
- Keep all exits clear, even communal areas.
- Keep fire doors closed. They help to slow down the spread of fire and will give you extra time to get out.
- Keep door and window keys where everyone can find them.
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