Safety & Security In Your Home

This section will cover the following subjects relating to:

Safety At Home
Fire Safety
Alarms
Hoarding

Safety At Home

Introduction
We all deserve to feel safe in our homes. This section is all about covering the basics and making sure that you know what to do in case of an emergency.
Reflections
Do you know your neighbours? Are you comfortable in your area? Do you know who to seek help from if you need it?
Quick Tips
Make sure your front door and windows have good locks. Install lights outside of your home that are activated with motion. Make sure your smoke alarms work.

It’s important that we understand how to keep ourselves safe in your own home. Especially if we are not familiar with an area or it has changed a lot in the time we have been living there. 

General Safety & Security Tips for the Home

Secure Doors and Windows

  • Fit five-lever mortice deadlocks (BS 3621 standard) on external doors.
  • Use window locks with keys, especially on ground-floor and accessible windows.
  • Install a door chain and peephole to check visitors before opening.

Use Lighting to Deter Intruders

  • Install motion-sensor lights outside entrances and pathways.
  • Use timer switches for indoor lights when you’re away.
  • Keep entrances well-lit and clear of hiding spots.

Fire and Gas Safety

  • Test smoke alarms monthly.
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors near boilers and gas appliances.
  • Know your escape routes and keep them clear.
  • Avoid overloading sockets and use surge protectors.

Learn about keeping safe in your home

Playlist

3 Videos

What did you learn from the videos?

  • Do you consider your safety when moving into a new home?
  • Do you know what to do in case of an emergency?
  • Are you keeping safe from fire?

Easy steps towards safety in your home

When You’re Away

  • Lock all doors and windows.
  • Don’t advertise your absence on social media.
  • Ask a neighbour to check in or move post.
  • Use timers to simulate occupancy.

Be Cautious with Doorstep Callers

  • Don’t open the door to strangers without checking ID.
  • Use a door chain or intercom.
  • Report suspicious behaviour to your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Keep Valuables Safe

  • Store valuables out of sight and away from windows.
  • Use a home safe for important documents and items.
  • Mark property with a UV pen or register it with Immobilise.

Fire Safety

The best way to protect you from fire is by helping you understand and reduce common risks in your home.

Common Fire Risks at Home

  • Cooking left unattended
  • Overloaded sockets or faulty wiring
  • Candles or smoking indoors
  • Portable heaters near curtains or furniture
  • Blocked escape routes

Learn about fire safety

Playlist

3 Videos

What did you learn from the videos?

  • What are common causes of fire?
  • Are you ensuring that you are reducing these risks?
  • What do you have to do if you find a fire?

Easy steps towards better fire safety

1. Smoke Alarms

  • Install on every floor of your home.
  • Test monthly and change batteries yearly.
  • Replace alarms every 10 years.

2. Carbon Monoxide Alarms

  • Needed if you have gas appliances or solid fuel heaters.
  • Place near boilers, fireplaces, or gas cookers.

 3. Escape Plan

  • Know two ways out of every room.
  • Keep hallways and exits clear.
  • Practice your escape route with everyone in the home.

 4. Electrical Safety

  • Don’t overload sockets.
  • Use surge protectors.
  • Turn off appliances when not in use.

 5. Cooking Safety

  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
  • Keep flammable items away from the hob.
  • Turn pan handles inward to avoid knocks.

Types of Alarms at Home

Smoke Alarms

Smoke Alarms Detect smoke from fires. Should be installed on every floor. Can be battery-powered or hardwired. Some models include heat sensors for kitchens.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm

Detect carbon monoxide gas, which is invisible and deadly. Required near boilers, gas fires, and solid fuel appliances. Should be placed at head height, not on the ceiling.

Heat Alarms

Detect rapid temperature increases, not smoke. Ideal for kitchens, where smoke alarms may trigger falsely. Often used alongside smoke alarms. Burglar/Intru

Home Alarm System

Detect unauthorised entry via doors or windows. Can be: Audible-only (makes noise). Monitored (alerts a security company). Smart systems (linked to apps and cameras)

Personal Safety Alarm

Small, portable devices that emit a loud sound when activated. Used for personal protection, especially by vulnerable individuals.

Learn about different alarms

Playlist

2 Videos

What did you learn about alarms?

  • What are the different types of fire alarm?
  • Would you use a personal alarm if you could?
  • How can you feel safe at home?

Easy steps towards better management of alarms

  • Make sure your alarms have batteries in them
  • Test your alarms every few months
  • Known when your alarms are switched on

Hoarding

Definition of Self-Neglect

Self-neglect is the inability (intentional or not) to maintain acceptable self-care standards, often linked to:

  • Physical or mental health decline
  • Depression or trauma
  • Isolation or poverty
  • Personal beliefs and identity

 

Signs include poor hygiene, squalid living conditions, untreated health issues, and lack of food or clean clothing.

 

Hoarding Behaviour

Hoarding is often linked to mental health conditions. The guidance covers:

  • Characteristics and risks
  • Screening and assessment tools
  • Multi-agency response
  • Support for carers and families

Learn about hoarding

Playlist

3 Videos

What did you learn from these videos?

  • Can you identify hoarding behaviours in you or people you know?
  • Does it make sense why people do this?

Easy steps towards preventing hoarding

  • Seek professional help (GP, NHS, Psychologist) 
  • If you are able to clean, tidy or take things out to the bin then start small
  • Play music while you clean
  • Avoid keepings things ‘just in case’ or ‘for someone else’

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