Fit smoke alarms on each floor of your home and in rooms where a fire is likely to start, such as the sitting room or bedroom. Don't fit one in a kitchen as steam or cooking fumes may set it off.
Be prepared for the event of a fire and plan your escape route. Draw a plan of your home (including stairs, windows, and doors) and plot two escape routes from each room. Study the plan with household members; assign someone to help children or the less agile.
Display the fire emergency number near telephones.
Make sure everyone who may need to use a window for escape is able to reach and unlock it, and reach the ground easily. Check the safety of a porch or garage roof that may provide an escape.
Hold regular fire drills and designate a place to meet outside for a head count.
Every month check that your fire blanket or extinguisher is in place and has not been used or damaged. Get your non-aerosol extinguishers serviced once a year by specialists, and replace aerosol extinguishers as suggested by the manufacturer.
Always switch off electric blankets before getting into bed.
Fires in public places
Note the location of the fire exits whenever you visit a public building, no matter how brief the visit.
In the event of a fire, do not use the lift unless it is designated as a means of escape. If in doubt, consult the fire instructions displayed in the building.
In hotels and motels, check the fire safety instructions immediately after checking into your room. Familiarise yourself with the escape routes, fire exits and location of the fire alarm call points.
Keep low to avoid the smoke.
