How to avoid potential fires at home in a heatwave

While we experience soaring temperatures this summer, the threat of home fires can be heightened. Here's how to minimise the risk...

From electrical fires to flammable refuse, property inspector, Steve Rad of Inventorybase warns of the little-known fire risks during a heatwave.

According to the UK Government fire protection guidelines, you’re around eight times more likely to die in a fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm in your home. About half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents and two fires a day are started by candles.

Faulty electrics (appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets) cause around 4,000 fires in the home across the UK every year. In colder months, heaters are to blame for three fires a day but over the summer months, there are different fire risks during hot weather. Here’s how to avoid potential fires in your home this scorching season, and what to look out for.

Keep it clean - flammable waste

Combustible materials should be safely stored and regularly cleared out. Image: Shutterstock

It’s easy to feel the fatigue in these soaring temperatures, but keeping on top of the housework is more important than ever in a heatwave

Regularly discard combustible rubbish, including cardboard and garden waste. These items can easily ignite and will help a fire to spread more quickly through your home. Keep ignition sources far away from these materials too.
Make sure you are using suitable ashtrays for your cigarettes. Simply throwing stubs into the bin containing perfect dry, hot kindling is a shortcut to a fire
Dust left on surfaces, fans and air conditioning units can lead to accidental fires in hotter temperatures. Be sure to keep on top of your dusting regime!

Combustible tech

Be aware of electrical hazards, especially extra appliances such as fans in multi-socket adaptors. Image: Shutterstock

While it’s always important to regularly check your electrical fire safety equipment is in working order - such as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors - be sure to keep an eye on all electronics during the hot weather...

A good tip for any time of year is to check on your devices whilst charging and to keep them uncovered. Some chargers can overheat, particularly if left under soft furnishings, which is extra hazardous in the hot weather.
Keep all electronic equipment out of direct sunlight and switched off when out of use. The same goes for any reflective surfaces such as mirrors or glass ornaments which can act as a lens and allow sunlight to bounce off them, setting alight nearby flammable objects
Let your plug sockets breathe! While you may need to plug in extra fans next to your computer and phone, overloaded plug sockets and electrical cables are a fire hazard

Alfresco safety

As the temperatures soar, the outdoors and the BBQ get-togethers may beckon - but be careful!

Be sure to position your barbecue on level, sturdy ground far away from flammable surroundings such as overhanging trees
Never light your BBQ in an enclosed space
When it's time to put your barbecue away, make sure it is fully extinguished and cooled down

At-home risk assessments

Keep on top of smoke alarm maitainance and change batteries as soon as they need it. Image: Shutterstock

Think like a fire warden this summer and keep on top of your property’s fire safety.

Carry out regular, in-depth risk assessments at home by inspecting and identifying potential ignition sources and flammable materials. Then be sure to remove or store them in a safer spot.
Keep testing your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors weekly, as well as ensuring emergency routes and exits are readily available
Get hold of accurate plans of your building to undertake a fire safety assessment and make sure you have the necessary fire fighting equipment for your property

So remember to keep cool during this heatwave, to enjoy the sun and stay hazard free at home!

Featured image: Thichaa / Shutterstock