Preventing fires and limiting the damage they cause is a top priority for the fire and rescue service. Follow our simple advice and top tips to ensure your home and the people you care about are safe.

• Fit a working smoke alarm
• Take care when cooking and never leave cooking food unattended
• Plan and practise your escape route
• Make a bedtime check
• Don't overload your electrics
• Put cigarettes right out
• Use candles carefully
• Have your chimney swept regularly

Research studies into the causes of fires have indicated that some members of the community are much more at risk of having a fire than others. We have produced a booklet to give you guidance and advice on how to ensure your home is protected from fire.

Download the fire safety self assessment booklet (with checklist boxes) to help protect your home from fire:-

Self Assessment booklet

If you feel that you would like some more advice or if your assessments have highlighted that you have some specific fire risks within your property call us on 0800 7311 822 to talk about the possibility of a home safety visit by fire and rescue service personnel.

FireAngel are currently promoting fire/CO safety by giving alarms away each month on Facebook http://www.fireangel.co.uk/Blog/Free-FireAngel-Alarms-Given-Away-Each-Month-on-Facebook.aspx

You will find further safety information on our pages and you can also get the latest safety information by visiting the direct.gov.uk website: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/FireSafety/DG_10030963

The Electrical Safety Council (http://www.esc.org.uk) have produced a leaflet to help consumers buying downlighters for their home - Click here for a copy. They have also produced a guide for electrical fitters - click here. For information about electrical product recalls click here.

Product Recall information is also available on the UK Association of Fire Investigators website - click here

A Fire Safety leaflet for Gypsies and Travellers is available from the direct.gov.uk website here:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_078779.pdf

Keeping your smoke alarms in good working order protects you and your family against fire. By pressing the test button on your alarm you can check if the battery in your smoke alarm is still charged and find out if your alarm is ready and working. However, it is just too easy to forget this crucial test. Safelincs can offer to help you by reminding you via email, and at your chosen frequency, to test your smoke alarm regularly.

All our safety information can be made available in other languages. Please contact 0800 7311 822 to request a copy.