Fire is the biggest killer of children in the home. Every year an average of 35 children are killed as the result of a house fire* and more than 1200 were injured.

There are so many simple things you can do to make your home a safer place for you and your family. Here are just a few tips you can follow to ensure your family's survival in the event of a fire.

Sound The Alarm
Do you have a working smoke alarm fitted in your house? One in five of households don't. People without an alarm are more than twice as likely to die in a fire in their home. If a fire starts when you're asleep your chances of escaping are almost zero if you don't have an alarm that works. Fit one on every floor of your home, and make sure you check the batteries regularly.

The Great Escape
Think about how you would escape from your home in the event of a fire. Once you've thought it through, share the plan with the rest of your family and make sure everyone knows what the plan is to get out. It's always a good idea to practise your plan to see that it works.

Chuck Out The Chip Pan
Chip and grill pans are a regular cause of house fires. If your family are fond of fries, invest in a deep-fat fryer (or try oven chips!).

Flash Points
Check your house for likely causes of fire; smouldering cigarettes, overloaded electrical sockets, candles near clothes or curtains, matches or lighters left within children's reach.

Worse Case Scenario
If there is a fire in your home, the advice from safety organisations is simple - Get Out! Stay Out! And Dial 999. Alert everyone in the house to the fire, get everyone out and don't go back in to try and save your possessions. If you're stuck in the house and have to retreat to one room for safety - try and make sure that the room has a window and a phone in it.

*Communities and Local Government statistics, 2001-2005 (Five year average)

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