Fire safety checks for your home
Follow our fire safety advice for your home and help to avoid a potential home insurance claim.
Published: 14 July 2026
Key points
- Fire safety checks - even simple ones - can help reduce the risk of house fires. Test alarms, check for overloaded sockets and clear escape routes.Fire safety checks - even simple ones - can help reduce the risk of house fires. Test alarms, check for overloaded sockets and clear escape routes.
- Smoke alarms are a must. Check the regulations in your area, install alarms in your home and test them regularly.Smoke alarms are a must. Check the regulations in your area, install alarms in your home and test them regularly.
- Home insurance can help to cover fire damage to your home and belongings. But always check your cover.Home insurance can help to cover fire damage to your home and belongings. But always check your cover.
Why does fire safety matter?
Fires in the home are more common than you might think. They often start from everyday activities like cooking, charging devices or using heaters. And, because they spread quickly, even a small fire can cause serious damage.
Taking time to improve fire safety at home isn’t just about protecting your property. It’s about protecting your family - and peace of mind.
Having the right cover in place can also make a big difference. If a fire does happen, home insurance could help to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
In short: Fire safety is about being aware of risks, building safer habits, and having a plan in place - just in case.
Do I need to carry out a fire safety check?
If you’re not sure where to begin with fire prevention, a quick fire safety check is a great first step. It helps you spot the most common risks quickly without feeling overwhelmed.
Make sure:
- Smoke alarms - are installed and working on every floorSmoke alarms - are installed and working on every floor
- Electrical sockets and extension leads - aren’t overloadedElectrical sockets and extension leads - aren’t overloaded
- Kitchen surfaces and appliances - are clean and grease-freeKitchen surfaces and appliances - are clean and grease-free
- Candles, heaters and open flames - are used safelyCandles, heaters and open flames - are used safely
- Escape routes (doors, hallways) - are kept clearEscape routes (doors, hallways) - are kept clear
- Internal doors - are closed at nightInternal doors - are closed at night
These small checks can help to prevent a lot of the everyday causes of house fires.
Tip: Build this into your routine - set a reminder every few months to complete a full fire safety check.
Bottom line: A few minutes of checking now can prevent much bigger problems later.
How many smoke alarms do I need?
Smoke alarms are one of the most important parts of fire prevention and protection for your home. And they’re often the first line of defence.
As a guide:
- Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your houseInstall at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your house
- Fit a heat alarm in the kitchenFit a heat alarm in the kitchen
- Place alarms on ceilings, away from wallsPlace alarms on ceilings, away from walls
If you don’t have the correct alarms installed, it could affect your home insurance.
Smoke alarm regulations
The rules for smoke and heat alarms vary across the UK.
- In Scotland - by law, you must have interlinked smoke and heat alarms in your home. See the Scottish Government’s guidance - Fire and smoke alarms: the law.In Scotland - by law, you must have interlinked smoke and heat alarms in your home. See the Scottish Government’s guidance - Fire and smoke alarms: the law.
- Elsewhere in the UK - interlinked alarms are recommended and often required in rental properties.Elsewhere in the UK - interlinked alarms are recommended and often required in rental properties.
You should also install a carbon monoxide alarm if you have fuel-burning appliances. That means:
- BoilersBoilers
- FireplacesFireplaces
- Log burnersLog burners
Key takeaway: The right number of alarms - and placing them properly - can save lives.
Fire alarm checks
Installing alarms is just the first step. You should check your fire alarms regularly to make sure they’ll work when needed.
Keep on top of maintenance:
- Test alarms weeklyTest alarms weekly
- Replace batteries regularly, unless sealedReplace batteries regularly, unless sealed
- Replace full units every 10 yearsReplace full units every 10 years
- Clean alarms to remove dustClean alarms to remove dust
Why it matters: A non-working alarm offers no protection, even if it’s installed.
Key takeaway: Make fire alarm checks part of your regular fire safety routine.
Fire safety advice: fire prevention tips for your home
Every room in your home has its own fire risks. Knowing what to watch out for can help you take simple steps to stay safe - and avoid a potential home insurance claim.
Kitchen
The kitchen is where most house fires start, usually when cooking’s left unattended.
To reduce the risk:
- Stay in the kitchen while cookingStay in the kitchen while cooking
- Keep flammable items - like tea towels and packaging - away from heatKeep flammable items - like tea towels and packaging - away from heat
- Clean ovens and hobs regularly to avoid a build-up of greaseClean ovens and hobs regularly to avoid a build-up of grease
- Avoid cooking if you’re tired or distractedAvoid cooking if you’re tired or distracted
Why it matters: Cooking accidents are the most common cause of house fires in the UK. That’s according to the Government’s guidance on Fires in the home. Even a small pan fire can quickly spread if left unchecked.
Key takeaway: Stay alert in the kitchen - it’s one of the easiest ways to prevent a fire.
Electrical appliances
Electrical faults are another common cause of house fires. Especially when appliances aren’t used properly or they’re poorly maintained.
To stay safe:
- Avoid overloading plug sockets.Avoid overloading plug sockets.
- Unplug appliances when they’re not in use.Unplug appliances when they’re not in use.
- Don’t leave devices charging overnight.Don’t leave devices charging overnight.
- Clean lint filters in tumble dryers (remove the fluff) after every use.Clean lint filters in tumble dryers (remove the fluff) after every use.
Real-life context: A blocked tumble dryer can overheat and catch fire. This is a common, but preventable, fire-risk in UK homes.
Key takeaway: Taking care with electricals can make a big difference to your overall fire prevention.
Heaters, fireplaces and log burners
Heating your home safely is especially important in colder months.
Safety tips:
- Keep heaters away from furniture and curtains.Keep heaters away from furniture and curtains.
- Turn off portable heaters before going to bed.Turn off portable heaters before going to bed.
- Sweep chimneys regularly.Sweep chimneys regularly.
- Let ashes cool completely before disposing of them.Let ashes cool completely before disposing of them.
If you use a log burner, it’s worth checking if this affects your home insurance.
Key takeaway: Heat sources are essential - but they need to be managed carefully.
Candles and open flames
Candles create a cosy atmosphere, but they also come with fire risks.
Stay safe by following these rules:
- Use stable, heat-resistant candle holders.Use stable, heat-resistant candle holders.
- Keep candles away from children and pets.Keep candles away from children and pets.
- Never leave candles unattended.Never leave candles unattended.
- Blow them out before leaving the room.Blow them out before leaving the room.
Why it matters: Open flames can set fire to nearby items quickly and unexpectedly.
Key takeaway: Enjoy candles safely - but always keep them in sight.
Batteries and chargers
Modern homes rely heavily on rechargeable devices. This can create a fire risk if they’re not used properly.
To reduce risk:
- Avoid overcharging devices.Avoid overcharging devices.
- Use chargers approved by the manufacturer.Use chargers approved by the manufacturer.
- Keep devices away from heat and soft furnishings while charging them.Keep devices away from heat and soft furnishings while charging them.
Key takeaway: Charging phones and other devices safely is an important part of fire safety checks - but it’s often overlooked.
Outdoor fire safety
Fire safety doesn’t stop at your front or back door. You also need to take care in your garden and other outdoor spaces.
For BBQs and fire pits:
- Keep them well away from buildings and fences.Keep them well away from buildings and fences.
- Never leave them unattended.Never leave them unattended.
- Fully extinguish them after use.Fully extinguish them after use.
Key takeaway: Outdoor fires can spread quickly - always keep them under control.
Nighttime fire safety
Fires can be most dangerous at night, because we’re usually asleep and less aware of the danger.
Before going to bed:
- Turn off non-essential appliances.Turn off non-essential appliances.
- Put out candles, cigarettes and fires.Put out candles, cigarettes and fires.
- Close all internal doors.Close all internal doors.
Why this helps: Closed doors can slow the spread of fire and smoke, giving you more time to respond.
Takeaway: Simple bedtime checks can significantly improve your home’s fire safety.
Does home insurance cover fire damage?
Tesco Home Insurance policies include cover for fire. But it’s important to understand what you're covered for.
Usually covered:
- Damage to your home - covered by Buildings InsuranceDamage to your home - covered by Buildings Insurance
- Damage to your belongings - covered by Contents InsuranceDamage to your belongings - covered by Contents Insurance
- Smoke damage claimsSmoke damage claims
Not usually covered:
- Damage caused by negligence or poor maintenanceDamage caused by negligence or poor maintenance
- General wear and tearGeneral wear and tear
You can learn more about what’s not covered in our guide - What’s not covered by your home insurance?
Key takeaway: Home insurance can give you protection and peace of mind. But always check the policy booklet to see what you’re covered for.
How do I make a fire insurance claim?
If you have a fire, knowing what to do next can help make the process smoother.
If you have a Tesco Home Insurance policy, you can call our team at Tesco Underwriting to make a claim. And they’ll talk you through the process.
Steps to follow:
- 1. Contact us as soon as possible1. Contact us as soon as possible
- 2. Take photos of the damage - if it’s safe to do so2. Take photos of the damage - if it’s safe to do so
- 3. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs3. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs
- 4. Get guidance from us before disposing of damaged items4. Get guidance from us before disposing of damaged items
Important: Smoke damage can affect areas far from the fire - make sure this is included in your claim.
Key takeaway: Acting quickly and keeping records can help support fire damage insurance claims.
Final thoughts: small steps can make a big difference
Fire safety isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about building small, consistent habits that reduce the risk of fire over time.
Focus on:
- Regular fire safety checks Regular fire safety checks
- Safe everyday routinesSafe everyday routines
- Maintaining alarms and appliancesMaintaining alarms and appliances
And remember, alongside fire prevention, the right home insurance policy can help protect you financially if the unexpected happens.
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Important information
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You'll find complete details of the cover, monetary limits, exclusions, excesses and terms in our policy documents.
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