Home Safety

Every year, more than 4,000 people die and 3 million are injured in the UK through accidents in the house or garden - that's more than are killed or injured in road accidents. Falls, burns, choking, and electric shocks are among the most common accidents, and many involve poorly maintained or badly placed everyday items. Others are caused by the careless use of electrical equipment.

In addition, every week 3 children die from accidents in the home in the UK, with those aged up to 5 being at most risk. Annually, domestic accidents bring more than a million children under 15 to a hospital emergency department, while many more have less serious, but often painful, mishaps. Whether you have children living in the house or as occasional visitors, there are effective precautions you can take to ensure that your home is safe for them.

In this section, you can find out how to keep your home safe for you and your family, with advice on preventing fires, accidents and carbon monoxide poisoning. There's also a handy room-by-room safety guide.