Working from home has lots of advantages in flexibility (not to mention staying in your pj's .... I can assure you that never happens!) but having come from a corporate world in a former life, I am always conscious of health and safety too, although not carrying out risk assessments every five minutes definitely has its advantages.

When I was told that More Than were launching their Fire Safety Campaign, I was straight on the phone to my brother, who is a Fire Fighter to see what his top tips were regarding fire in the home. His immediate response? Get out, stay out and call the fire brigade! Once I told him I was not working for his boss and wanted "real" advice about fire prevention, he was actually really helpful! (who knew my baby brother could be so informative!)

It appears that a small thing can make a big difference where fire is concerned and the Fire Service advocate the use of Smoke Alarms. They are such a small thing at relatively small cost but can be the difference between getting out of a fire in time and not. More Than suggest buying longer life batteries and it is important to have them on every level of your home.

Did you know that ....?

• 90 people die each year because the battery in their smoke alarm was flat or missing.
• More than five fires a day are started by candles
• Every three days someone dies from a fire caused by a cigarette
• Faulty electrics (appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets) cause around 7,000 house fires across the country every year. (Yes, I bet you looked under your desk at the extension lead right then didn't you?)

The one thing that my brother said that really made me think was to make a "Bedtime Checklist" as you are more at risk from a fire when you are asleep, so it is a good idea to check the house before you go to bed.

• Close inside doors to stop a fire from spreading
• Turn off and unplug electrical appliances, unless they are designed to be left on (I don't want to be responsible for you unplugging the freezer and having all the food defrosted!)
• Check the cooker is turned off
• Don't leave the washing machine o
• Put candles and cigarettes out properly.
• Make sure exits are all clear
• Leep door and window keys where everyone can find them quickly if needed.

It is worth taking a few minutes to take a look at the #MoreThanFireSafety campaign as a fire can be devastating but making sure you do everything possible to prevent it and protect your family against it can be done by a few very simple measures.

Do you have any tips you would add?

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