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Household preparedness

Safety & Security

An alarm you recognise, a clear way out and a number you can find quickly are practical parts of a safer home. Start with the building you live in and the people who use it. A flat with shared stairs may need different arrangements from a house with its own front door.

Make everyday safety easier

A fire plan is more useful when everyone who needs it understands it. Keep the routes you use clear, follow the instructions for checking alarms and know who to ask about a fault or concern.

Warnings, access and help

Understand the warnings

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have different jobs. Know which alarms you have and follow their testing and maintenance instructions. Gas and electrical faults need the right professional help.

Keep access straightforward

Look at the paths you use through your home, especially in poor light. Security measures should not make it difficult to leave or prevent help from reaching you.

Know where to get help

Keep relevant contact details accessible and find your local fire and rescue service’s home-safety advice. Neighbours can offer practical support, while emergency services handle urgent danger.

Small things that can get in the way

  • Someone new to the home may not know the building’s fire arrangements.
  • Bags, boxes or furniture can gradually narrow a route you would need to use.
  • A lock or security measure may be difficult for someone in the household to operate.

Take a look around your home

  • Find out your building’s fire plan and talk it through with the people you live with.
  • Look for obstructions on the routes you use and check the instructions for your alarms.
  • Ask your local fire and rescue service about advice for your home, particularly if someone would need help leaving.

When you need to act

  • Fire. Use the fire arrangements for your building and follow emergency-service instructions.
  • Power cut. Poor visibility can make familiar steps or hallways harder to use.

Think about leaving as well as staying

  • Warmth & Shelter

    If your home is damaged or cannot be used, think about a suitable alternative place to stay.

  • Mobility & Evacuation

    Include anyone who may need help leaving the building or reaching safety.

Explore all ten areas of preparedness

Use advice that fits your home

If you’re concerned about a gas or electrical fault, contact the appropriate provider or qualified professional. For fire planning, use advice that fits your building rather than assuming the same approach works everywhere.

Put it into practice

Browse related knowledge

Sources and further advice

For more detail, use the guidance below. Check which part of the UK each source covers.