Home Safety

Taking steps to prevent fires and planning can help you stay safe. Smoke alarms, clear exits and safe habits make a big difference.

This page outlines practical ways to reduce the risk of fire and protect yourself at home. From safe cooking habits to smoke alarm checks, it’s all about keeping your space safe, calm and prepared.

Fit and Test Smoke Alarms

• You should have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home.
• Test your alarms once a week - press the button until it beeps.
• Replace the batteries every year unless you have a long-life sealed battery.
• If you can’t test your alarm easily, ask a friend, family member or support worker to help.

Always remember: Never remove batteries to stop false alarms - instead, consider fitting a heat detector in kitchens or bathrooms where smoke is common but not dangerous.

In the Kitchen 

• Stay in the room when you’re cooking — especially when frying or grilling.
• Keep tea towels, paper and packaging away from hobs and open flames.
• Use a timer to remind yourself when food is cooking.
• Avoid loose sleeves or clothing that could catch fire.
• Turn off appliances after use and unplug them where safe to do so.

General Fire Safety Tips

• Don’t overload plug sockets or use damaged appliances.
• Keep exits clear — avoid blocking doorways with furniture, boxes or shoes.
• Don’t smoke in bed or near flammable materials.
• Use candles and portable heaters carefully, keeping them away from curtains or soft furnishings. Do not leave them unattended. 
• Never leave electric blankets switched on while sleeping or unattended.
• If you use oxygen at home, take extra care — avoid open flames and speak to your provider for advice.

Create an Escape Plan

• Make sure you know how to leave your home quickly in an emergency.
• Keep keys to doors and windows in easy-to-reach places — not in locked drawers or across the room.
• If you use a mobility aid, ensure it’s kept near your bed or seating area.
• Practice your plan with support if needed, and keep hallways and landings clear.
• Contact your local fire brigade for a fire home safety check and help with installing smoke alarms.

Get a Free Home Fire Safety Check

Most local fire services offer free home safety visits to check for fire risks and fit smoke alarms if needed. These checks are friendly, informal and designed to help, especially for older people, those living alone or anyone with health conditions or reduced mobility.

Calling for Assistance

If you're worried about calling for help in an emergency, consider a personal alarm or lifeline service. These devices can alert someone quickly, even if you can’t get to the phone.

---

[box]

Find local help and support

If you need advice, practical help, equipment, home support, care services or local activities and exercise classes, visit Help and Contacts to find services and support available in your area.

Find local support

[/box]

[box]

Useful Local Links

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Age UK Milton Keynes
Community Alarm Service, Milton Keynes City Council
Handy Person Service from Age UK MK- handyperson@ageukmiltonkeynes.org.uk / 01908 550700
Medequip - blmk@medequip-uk.com / 03330917763

[/box]

[box]

Milton Keynes Falls Service - Staying Steady

Staying Steady Milton Keynes offers specialist support to individuals, mainly aged over 65 years, who have fallen or are at risk of falling. We work with an individual and their carer to make decisions about the best way to reduce the risk of the person falling, raise awareness of risk factors for falling and make any necessary changes to their home to prevent falls.

The service is provided to any person (primarily those aged over 65 years of age) registered with a Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group general practitioner (GP) who has fallen or is at risk of falling.

Tel: 01908725622 
Email: fallsprevention.service@nhs.net
Website: Visit website 

Download Referral Form

[/box]

[box]

Further information and resources

You may also find the following organisations and resources useful for more information, advice and support related to this topic.

Fire safety tips at home - Age UK
Tips for making your home fire safe - RoSPA (video)

[/box]

---