Simple bedtime checks to prevent potential fire hazards
Bedtime checklist
Before going to bed, take a few moments to inspect your home for potential fire hazards. This quick check can significantly enhance your family’s safety while you sleep.
Perform these simple nightly safety checks to help protect your home and loved ones.
- Turn off and unplug all electrical appliances that are not intended to stay on overnight.
- Fully extinguish cigarettes and empty ashtrays safely. Douse cigarette butts and matches with water before disposing of them in an outdoor bin.
- Place fireguards around open fires and avoid adding extra fuel before bedtime.
- Turn off all portable heaters.
- Switch off electric blankets unless labeled as safe for overnight use.
Fire escape plan
Fire is always a potential risk. Having a well-prepared escape plan can help reduce dangers and ensure everyone knows how to respond in case of a fire. Fires can start unexpectedly and spread rapidly, leaving little time to act. While bedtime checks can lower the risk, it’s crucial to have an escape plan in place for added safety.
Fire alarm checks
Make sure your alarms are functioning properly. Test your smoke and heat alarms weekly by pressing the ‘test’ button. If there is no sound, replace the battery. All interlinked alarms should activate during testing. If they don’t, install a new alarm.