Fire Safety

Many house fires can be prevented by following these simple steps.

Basic Fire Safety

Test your smoke alarm every week
Don’t overload electrical sockets. (13 amps maximum extension leads)
Don’t charge phones of devices overnight
Use appliances like washers, tumble dryers and dishwashers during the day when you’re at home
Don’t leave cooking unattended
Keep kitchens clean and tidy
Keep scarves, long hair and loose clothing aware from cooking flames and pans
Switch oven and hobs off after use
Keep exits and stairs clear and free from clutter
Make sure candles and cigarettes are properly extinguished
No smoking in bed
Switch off fires and heaters before going to bed
Keep phones and keys nearby at bedtime

If there is a fire get out and stay out. Call 999

Home safety checks

Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service (TWFRS) offer a free Home fire safety check to anyone living in the Tyne & Wear area. The Home fire safety check looks for risks in your home, give you fire safety information and advice. The Fire Service also offer Safe & Well visits for people over the age of 65 or those most at risk. They can check for hazards in your home that could lead to you falling and getting hurt. They can help with advice and make small changes or provide some small pieces of equipment to help you stay safe at home.

You can complete a quick home fire safety check from TWFRS here. It will take you through your home one room at a time asking fire safety questions. At the end, you will receive a personalised fire safety action plan.

Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service (TWFRS) have community venues at:

Know your fire escape plan

Knowing how to escape your home in case there is a fire can save lives. Take a moment to plan your escape and make sure everyone in your household knows it too

Your main escape route is likely your usual way in and out of your home
Identify second and third escape routes in case the main one is blocked
Remember, windows should only be used as a last resort

Rental and leasehold homes

If you rent a property or own a leasehold, it is your landlord, housing provider or management company’s responsibility to provide an emergency evacuation plan

Multi storey or high rise buildings.

Most high-rise blocks are built to delay the spread of fire for up to an hour. However, it is important to understand what to do if a fire starts. For buildings that are 7 storeys or at least 18 metres high a principal accountable person manages the fire and structural safety risks and fire escape plan. For many people this will be your landlord, housing provider or management company, but an individual can be the principal accountable person if they are the owner of the building or are named on the leasehold as responsible for the maintenance of common parts.

High-Rise Building Safety Residents’ Group is for people who live in a Newcastle City Council multi-storey flat and are interested in fire and structural safety. The group meets on a regular basis, in person and online, to discuss building safety within Newcastle City Council high-rise blocks. If you would like to be involved you can contact them by phone on 0191 211 5400 or [email protected].

Night Time Checklist

Before you go to bed, taking a few extra minutes to check your home can significantly reduce the risk of fire. Many fires start at night when everyone is asleep, so it’s important to:

Turn off and unplug electrical appliances, unless they’re designed to be left on
Unplug phone and devices
Turn heaters and fires off
Turn cookers and hobs off
Don’t leave washing machines, tumble dryers or dishwashers on overnight
Put out cigarettes and candles
Close the doors to each room
Make sure exits and stairs are kept clear
Keep phones and door keys nearby
If there is a fire: Get out. Stay Out. Call 999