Further support 

Keeping safe is important for everyone. However, when you have young children, or are in the later stages of pregnancy, it can sometimes be difficult to maintain safety, especially if you are a single-parent family. With lots to do when looking after young children, everyday risks around the home can be more difficult to avoid. Fortunately, a free Kent Fire and Rescue Service Safe and Well visit from one of our friendly Safe and Well officers or firefighters can help to you to make your home a safer place, and support you with any challenges you might experience.  

There are also lots of things you can do yourself. Why not take a look at the helpful information and advice below. 

Burns and scalds 

Children are amongst those more likely to be injured with burns and scalds in the home. Make sure you know what to do by following the useful advice on our Burns and Scalds page.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is proud to be working in partnership with the Children's Burns Trust to support the prevention of burns and scalds, but also to help in an emergency. 

Kitchen safety  

The kitchen is the heart of the home, but did you know it’s also the place where a fire is most likely to start? Make your kitchen a safer space by remembering to never leave your cooking unattended and following our easy to follow kitchen safety page  

Electrical safety  

From making sure you’re not overloading your sockets and registering your appliances, to checking electrical cables and using electric blankets safely, see our Electrical safety pages.

Smoking 

Smoking is one of the main causes of fire in the home, and second-hand smoke causes respiratory conditions in young children. Remember to always try to smoke outside the home and extinguish your cigarettes safely. Check out our Smoking page for useful tips on home safety if you smoke. 

Smoke alarms and escape plans  

Working smoke alarms are your best chance of survival if a fire breaks out in your home. Fit at least one on each floor of your home and test it weekly. 

Do you have an escape plan? Make an escape plan that everyone understands – you can even make a game of it with the kids. If you have a baby or small child, agree who is going to help them escape and how. Young children may not be woken up by a smoke alarm sounding. You can learn more about making an escape plan on our Escape plan page  

Candles  

Candles can pose a serious fire risk, so please remember to always keep them out of reach of children and put them out when you leave the room or go to bed. Don’t forget to keep matches and lighters out of reach of children too. See our candle safety page for more useful information. 

Carbon monoxide poisoning  

This invisible and potentially deadly gas with no taste or smell is particularly harmful to unborn and new babies. Learn what steps you can take to protect your family and yourself from this dangerous gas, including ensuring you have a working carbon monoxide detector. 

What to do if there’s a fire in your home  

Get out, stay out and call 999. Never investigate or tackle a fire yourself. Learn what to do to help stay safe 

Nightime safety routine 

These simple checks can help to give you extra peace of mind at bedtime - learn about  bedtime safety checks