How to keep your home safe

Stay safe and follow these guidelines to protect yourself and your home.

Kitchen safety

Most house fires start in the kitchen. Fires can happen in seconds, so follow these tips to stay safe:

• Check appliances – if something isn’t working properly, stop using it and get it checked
• Never leave cooking unattended – stay in the kitchen when using the stove, oven, or grill
• Avoid cooking if you’re tired or have been drinking alcohol
• Keep flammable items away – don’t leave tea towels, kitchen roll, or wires near the cooker
• Clean your grill pan after each use – built-up fat can catch fire
• Don't keep anything on top of an eye-level grill
• Never leave appliances on when you go out – even if they have a timer
• Don’t put metal in the microwave, including tin foil
• Be extra careful with hot oil.

Internal doors

• Keep internal doors in good condition and closed at night – this helps stop fires from spreading
• Never remove internal doors or wedge them open
• If you're planning home alterations or changes to a door, check with Leicester City Council first.

Fire doors

Make sure your front door will protect you and others in a fire. Check:

• It closes fully when released
• It has a closing device fitted
• No damage or alterations to the door or frame
• Hinges are secure and the door fits properly
• Report any issues immediately to keep everyone safe.

E-scooter and e-bike safety

Lithium-ion batteries used in e-scooters and e-bikes can cause fires. Reduce the risk by following these rules:

• Never charge batteries in communal areas – it’s a fire hazard
• Don’t leave batteries charging unattended or while you sleep
• Let batteries cool before recharging
• Charge away from flammable materials and charge on a hard, flat surface
• Have a working smoke alarm near the charging area
• Use only manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers
• Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions
• Never charge batteries in your escape route from your property (i.e. your hallway)
• Always check chargers for any visible signs of damage before use
• If an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire starts, don’t try to put it out – get out, stay out, and call 999.

Smoking safety

• Never leave a lit cigarette or pipe unattended
• Always fully extinguish cigarettes in a proper container
• Empty ashtrays into a non-combustible bin and put bin contents into rubbish chute only when completely cold
• Never smoke in bed or if you feel sleepy – smoking is a major cause of house fires
• Smoking in communal areas and balconies is illegal.

Before bedtime checklist

• Turn off the cooker and any portable heaters
• Unplug electrical devices (except essentials like your fridge)
• Make sure all cigarettes are fully out and empty ashtrays safely
• Close all doors to slow fire and smoke spread
• Turn off electric blankets before sleeping – never use them with a hot water bottle.

Smoke alarms

• Test your smoke alarms regularly by pressing the test button
• If it beeps, the battery is low – replace it or report it for repair
• Do not cover or disable your smoke alarm
• Never ignore a beeping smoke alarm
• If the alarm doesn’t work, contact us immediately.

Fire escape plan

• Make sure everyone knows how to escape in case of a fire
• Keep escape routes clear – every second counts
• Your main exit is best, but have a backup plan in case it's blocked
• If you live in a flat, your fire door is crucial – keep it closed when not in use
• If your fire door doesn’t close properly, report it for repair.