• Gas leaks are particularly dangerous because they can lead to explosions.
• Butane cylinders must be stored in well-ventilated areas, preferably outdoors.
• The orange hoses, clamps and pressure regulators must be regularly inspected and periodically replaced.
• Natural gas installations must be carried out by specialised and authorised technicians. Do not block the ventilation holes.
• As a general rule, turn off the gas supply at night and when you leave the house, and do not leave gas appliances connected when not in use.
• Avoid carelessness, particularly leaving gas valves open by mistake.
• Warning: if you smell gas, do not light any flames (with a match, cigarettes or similar) or switch on any electrical devices, as a spark could cause an explosion.
• Ventilate the room, turn off the main valves and call the gas supplier.

Electrical installations in poor condition also pose a very common fire risk. A short circuit or a small spark can ignite a nearby object, making the fire impossible to control.

• Avoid overloading sockets with too many multi-plug adaptors. Electrical cables are designed to handle a specific power rating. If this is exceeded, the circuit becomes overloaded, creating a fire risk.
• Do not make makeshift or improper electrical connections. It is best to use power strips rather than electrical tape. In any case, do not conceal them, as it will be impossible to locate a faulty connection.
• Leave sufficient ventilation space at the back of built-in appliances and televisions to allow heat to dissipate.
• Avoid leaving appliances switched on for long periods, as this can cause them to overheat.
• If you need to replace a fuse, do so with an equivalent one.
• If you lack sufficient knowledge, avoid tampering with your home’s electrical installation or appliances. Seek the help of a qualified technician.

Most house fires occur in the kitchen, and almost always for the same reason: a pan is left on a hot hob and catches fire, the flames reach the extractor hood, which is not clean enough, allowing the fire to spread. From then on, you can imagine the consequences. To avoid this situation, you simply need to follow two simple rules:

• Do not leave anything on the hob while it is switched on and you are doing other things. If the phone rings or something unexpected happens, remove the pan and turn off the hob.
• Be very careful with timers that switch the hob on at a set time, and ensure children do not tamper with the controls.
• Always keep the extractor hood clean, as the build-up of dust and grease in the filters catches fire very easily if a small fire were to break out.

• Smokers create constant risks.
• Be careful with forgotten or poorly extinguished cigarettes.
• Keep an eye on children; prevent them from tampering with ovens and hobs or simply playing with matches.
• Pay special attention to sources of heat in your home, such as stoves, braziers, fireplaces, etc., which, when near flammable objects, can be a dangerous combination.
• Curtains, tablecloths and cleaning products catch fire extremely quickly.
• Do not use radiators to dry clothes.
• Avoid carelessness, such as leaving irons on top of clothes, pots and pans left on the hob, etc.

All of these measures are usually sufficient to prevent a fire. It is important to have a fire extinguisher at home. If a fire does break out, remain calm and act in an orderly manner, following these guidelines:

• Cut off the power supply by switching off the main circuit breaker. In the event of a gas fire, before attempting to extinguish it, you should turn off the gas valve if possible. This is often sufficient, as the lack of fuel will automatically extinguish the fire, provided it has not yet spread to other materials.
• Close the doors and windows so that the lack of oxygen smothers the fire. If you open them to let the smoke out, you will only fan the flames and spread the fire to the rest of the house.
• Try to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, or failing that, with a bucket of water. If the fire starts in the kitchen, cover the burning pan with a lid or a damp cloth.
• All these guidelines apply to small domestic fires. If the fire grows in size, get yourself to safety and call the fire brigade immediately.
• Only once the fire has been extinguished should you open the windows to ventilate the room.
• But remember that it is always better to prevent a fire than to have to put one out.