Even though we like to think of our homes as havens, dangers can lurk if we don’t take sensible precautions to keep us and our families safe.

We’ve teamed up with Mid and West Wales Fire Service to bring you practical tips that could save lives. 

Electrics
We all have so many gadgets and devices in our home that it’s difficult not to power them or charge them at the same time.

However, overloaded sockets and faulty wiring account for around 7000 house fires in the UK every year. To help reduce the risk of an electrical fire, try when possible, to keep to the one socket, one plug rule.

In fact, appliances such as a washing machine should always have their own plug as they are high powered. If you are using an extension lead or adapter, check how many amps it can take, and be careful not to plug in devices that add up to more than that number.

You should always make sure your appliances are in good working order and keep an eye out for things such as loose wiring, scorch marks, hot plugs and sockets, and flickering lights. You should unplug anything you’re not using or when you go to bed.

If you use an electric blanket, you should store them flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring. 

Unplug them before you get into bed, unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use and try not to buy second hand blankets which may be faulty. It’s also a good idea to check them regularly for wear and tear.

If you use a portable heater, then secure them against a wall to stop them falling over, and keep them clear from curtains and furniture, and never use them to dry clothes.

Make sure any electrical appliances you buy have the British or European safety mark on it. 

Safety tip
If your clothes catch fire:

• Lie down and roll around – this makes it harder for the fire to spread
• Smother flames with a heavy material like a coat or blanket.
• Don’t run around – it will make the flames worse.

Remember: Stop, drop and roll