"Many of us don't relate to the familiar chip pan fire image because we don't think that scenario will ever happen to us and we put fire from our minds. But the chilling reality is that you are more likely to suffer a house fire in Scotland than be burgled". Former Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry.

The best plan is not to have a fire. You probably have a good idea of the things that cause fires in the home. If you are honest, you will know that most fires are the result of lack of thought or concentration, or of carelessness. They can easily be prevented. Sit down and consider the problems associated with cigarettes, matches and lighters; the things which cause fires in the kitchen; candles, heating appliances and equipment such as electric blankets.

You will be surprised at how much you know about making sure you don't have a fire. If you have a partner or family, have a discussion about keeping each other safe.

Fire Safety at Home

Our fast facts will give you a quick guide to the most common domestic fire dangers, and what you can do about them.

• Smoke alarms
• Smoking
• Frying
• High-rise flats
• Fires and heating appliances
• Candles
• Plugs, sockets and fuses
• If fire breaks out

• the most effective way of warning you of a fire in your home
• they're cheap, costing around £5 to £8
• buy an alarm that complies with BS 5446
• make sure the battery is tested regularly. If in doubt replace with a fresh battery
• Find out more about smoke alarms

• nearly 4 out of 10 fire deaths are caused by careless use of smoking materials
• never smoke in bed or in an armchair when you are feeling drowsy
• keep matches and lighters away from children
• Find out more about smoking risks

• deep fat frying results in 16,000 house fires a year in the UK
• never leave cooking oil to heat unattended and don't throw water on burning fat!
• buy a thermostat controlled deep fat fryer
• Find out more about kitchen safety

• keep escape routes free from clutter
• never tamper with dry riser inlets on landings. If you see a dry riser vandalised, report it immediately to your Housing Association / Factor
• practise an escape plan and don't include the lift
• Find out more about fire safety in high-rise flats

• caused over 3000 fires in Britain in 2001
• don't put furniture or dry clothing within 1 metre of a heating appliance
• don't put mirrors above the fireplace in case someone stands too close and their clothing catches fire
• Find out more about Fires and heating appliances

• accidentally caused 2009 fire incidents in the UK in 2001
• don't leave lit candles unattended on mantelpieces or windowsills
• extinguish them properly when you go to bed

• plugs, sockets and fuses caused over 3000 fires in the UK in 2001
• use the correct fuse rating for your appliance
• unplug items if you're not using them, to prevent them from overheating
• Find out more about electrical safety

• get out of the house and dial 999
• don't waste time collecting valuables
• don't go back in until the fire services say its safe
• Find out more about what you can do if fire breaks out