Always consider the following:

→  Fit smoke alarms at each level of your home test them monthly and if battery powered replace batteries every year.

→  Make a home escape plan. Plan your escape route, practise it and keep it clear of obstructions. Ensure that a key is left near each external door and that internal doors are never locked.

→  Set a bedtime routine. Switch off appliances that are not designed to be left on. Close all doors – this slows down heat and smoke dispersal. Make sure no cigarettes, cigars, or pipes are still burning and that the contents of ashtrays are cold before they are emptied. Never smoke in bed.

→  Make sure the hob and oven are switched off when cooking is finished. Never hang tea towels on the cooker, be careful that the leads of kettles or toasters do not trail across it and be particularly vigilant when using chip pans.

→  Never allow children in the kitchen unsupervised. Keep matches and lighters out of reach.