While being older doesn’t necessarily mean having to rely on others, it does mean you are at an increased risk of having a fire in your home. Think about fire safety and how safe your home is. You can sign up for a free home fire safety visit at the HM Government Fire Gateway, for information on fire prevention from your local Fire and Rescue Service.

Here are ten tips to ensure older people are safe from fire in the home.

1. Fit and maintain a smoke alarm. You should have one on each level of your home. The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room, or on the hallway and landing. Don’t put alarms in or near kitchens or bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident.
2. Test your smoke alarm weekly. A working smoke alarm can give you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999.
3. Don’t remove the batteries. If your smoke alarm keeps going off accidentally while you are cooking, don’t remove the batteries. Instead move the alarm or change it for one with a silencer button.
4. Stay safe in the kitchen. This is the area where the majority of house fires start, so never leave cooking unattended. If you need to leave the kitchen, turn electrical appliances off and take pans off the heat.
5. In the event of a fire 'Get out, Stay out and Call 999!' Don't delay for valuables, don't investigate or try to tackle the fire. Use a mobile, a neighbour's phone or a phone box to call 999. If someone needs to be rescued, wait safely outside for the firefighters who have the equipment and training to do it. Never go back in.
6. Don't overload plug sockets. One plug per socket is the rule. Be careful not to let leads trail over cookers or touch water.
7. Get 'key clever'. Keys for windows and doors should always be kept in an accessible place where everyone can find them. This is so you can get out quickly in the event of a fire.
8. Plan your escape route. Make sure you and your family know the quickest way out in the event of fire. Consider an alternative route in case your usual one is blocked.
9. Be careful with candles. Keep candles in secure holders, on a surface that doesn’t burn, and away from any materials that could burn, such as curtains.
10. Watch that electric blanket. Make sure that electric blankets are turned off and stored flat (not rolled up) when not in use. Never use them with a hot water bottle. Statistics show that of fires caused by electrical appliances, electric blankets have the highest rate of injury, with 440 injuries for every 1,000 fires.