Help prevent fires at your home

Following an increase in fires affecting customers’ homes during the current dry weather conditions, we're getting in touch with some safety advice we hope you will find helpful. 

Many of these incidents have started in external sheds, garages and outbuildings before spreading to homes. Taking a few simple steps can help protect your home, belongings, family and neighbours. 

Help prevent fires at your home 

Please take a few moments to check that you are: 

• Testing your smoke alarms regularly and making sure they are working properly 
• Never leaving cooking unattended, especially when using a hob or grill
• Avoiding overloading plug sockets and extension leads 
• Only buying and using certified products from reputable manufacturers
• Charging batteries and electrical devices safely, following the manufacturer’s instructions
• Keeping exits, escape routes and balconies clear
• Keeping sheds and other storage areas tidy, as clutter can help a fire spread more quickly
• Storing flammable items such as petrol, gas bottles, chemicals and paints safely and away from heat sources including direct sunlight
• Never smoking near flammable items 
• Making sure cigarettes, candles and other sources of heat are fully extinguished when not in use. 

Take great care with BBQs 

You may have seen stories recently that many shops have stopped selling disposable BBQs under government advice, given the particularly hot summer. We would advise against BBQs at this time within your garden and open spaces such as parks or woodland. If you do have a BBQ, we urge you to take great caution and do not leave it unattended. BBQs on balconies are strictly prohibited at all times. 

Electrical items in outbuildings - we're here to help 

We have seen an increase in fires caused by faulty or unsafe electrical equipment stored or used in sheds, garages and outbuildings. If you have electrical installations in these buildings and are unsure whether they have been safely installed, please get in touch with us on 0333 400 8222. 

We can discuss any concerns and arrange to visit at a convenient time where appropriate.

Protect your belongings with contents insurance 

Even when we take every precaution, accidents can still happen. That’s why we strongly encourage all customers to have contents insurance in place. 

Contents insurance can help cover the cost of replacing your belongings if they are damaged by a fire or another unexpected event. Many customers are surprised to learn that while we insure the building itself, protecting your personal belongings is your responsibility. 

You can learn more about taking out contents insurance via our Home Contents Insurance page on our website. 

Find out more 

You can find a wide range of safety information, including fire safety guidance, on our Health, Safety and Fire Information pages.