Do you have a “closing time” routine?

Just 10 minutes before bed can make a big difference. Walking through your home to check for fire risks helps prevent accidents and keeps your family safe while you sleep. Fire safety experts advise making this a regular habit to reduce risks in the home.

Switch off and unplug appliances

Appliances left on or plugged in overnight can be a fire risk. Make sure TVs, kettles, chargers, and other devices are switched off and unplugged before you go to bed.

Useful resource: The Government’s fire safety guidance (Fire safety in the home – GOV.UK) includes advice on managing electrical risks and planning to keep your home safe from fire.

Blow out candles

If you’ve been enjoying candles in the evening, ensure they’re fully extinguished. Keep them away from curtains, bedding and furniture, and never leave them unattended. Consider safer alternatives like battery‑powered LED candles where possible.

Check the hob

Leaving the stove or hob on is one of the most common causes of house fires. Always double‑check that cooking appliances are turned off before going to bed

Close internal doors

Closing internal doors at night can slow the spread of fire and smoke. This extra barrier can give you and your family valuable time to escape if there’s an emergency. At bedtime, making door‑closing part of your routine can significantly improve safety.

Extra tips for a safer home

• Keep flammable items away from heat sources: Things like heaters, lamps, portable fire pits or candles should be well clear of curtains, fabrics and clutter.
• Test smoke alarms regularly: Make sure your alarms are working. Check them weekly and replace batteries if needed — this is one of the simplest ways to improve home safety.
• Keep exits clear: Hallways, doors and stairways should be free from obstacles so everyone can leave quickly if needed.

A few minutes can make a big difference

A simple nighttime check before bed can reduce fire risks and give you extra peace of mind. Make your “closing time” routine a habit — it’s a small effort that helps protect your home and the people you care about.

For extra help and personalised advice, you can try the free Online Home Fire Safety Check, an interactive tool developed with the National Fire Chiefs Council that gives tailored guidance based on your home.