Fire safety equipment
You might be considering putting safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher in your home to help you feel more reassured if a fire occurs.
You might think you can deal with it yourself, but even the smallest of fires can rapidly get out of control.
If a fire starts in your home:
- get out
- stay out
- call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service.
Smoke alarms
See our smoke alarms guidance to find out about installing smoke alarms in your home.
Fire blankets
Fire blankets are designed to put out small fires by smothering them. They’re good for extinguishing chip pan fires or to wrap around someone whose clothing is on fire. They’re made from a specially woven fabric that is fire retardant.
If you choose to buy a fire blanket, make sure to follow this safety advice.
- Keep it in the kitchen. Over half of the fires we attend start in the kitchen.
- Only use it to smother small fires.
- Use it to put out fires on clothing by wrapping the blanket around the person on fire.
- Always look for the British Standard mark (BS EN: 1869:1997 or BS 7944:1999).
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Carbon monoxide alarms
See our carbon monoxide information to find out about carbon monoxide alarms.
Fire extinguishers
If you decide to buy a fire extinguisher, follow this safety advice.
- Make sure that it has a Kitemark of British Approvals for Fire Equipment mark.
- Keep them stored away from cookers, heaters or other extreme heat sources.
- Recharge it after use.
- Have your extinguishers regularly serviced by a qualified person.
Fire extinguishers need to be disposed of carefully as they contain hazardous substances. Find your local hazardous waste disposal service.
Types of fire extinguisher
There are four types of fire extinguishers, and each contains different substances to deal with different types of fires. There are six types of fires, which can be divided into classes from A-F.
There is no single type of fire extinguisher that can deal with all types of fire.
Important things to know
CO2 - Gas from CO2 extinguishers can be harmful if used in confined spaces, as they displace oxygen in the air. Make sure to ventilate the area well after extinguishing the fire.
Dry powder fire extinguishers should not be used in enclosed spaces. The powder can affect your breathing and reduce visibility for a safe evacuation.
Never hold the horn while using the extinguisher. The dry ice will cause your skin to stick to the horn with a burning sensation.
Cooking oil fires
Never use a fire extinguisher for a chip pan fire. The jet from the extinguisher can force burning fat out of the pan and spread the fire.
You can find out more information about fire safety equipment for a commercial premises or public building in our business safety section.
What to do if there’s a fire
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Get out of the building, closing any doors behind you.
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Stay out of the building.
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Call 999 and ask for the fire service.