Candles have become very popular and as the evenings draw in they are increasingly likely to be used for home decoration and fairytale table settings or romantic settings around the home.

But according to the Halifax insurance figures, unattended candles are one of the major causes of fires in the home. Stop home fires started by candles by taking some simple precautions:

• Always place candles on a heat resistant surface
• Use a proper candle holder so the candle is held firmly upright and wont fall over
• Don't position candles near curtains or other soft furnishings or where people are likely to have to lean over them
• Don't place candles under shelves as they can burn the surface
• Never leave candles burning if you leave a room or go to sleep
• Keep candles at least 4 inches (10cm) from each other
• Use a snuffer or spoon to put them out and double check they are right out

• Make sure you have at least one correctly fitted smoke alarm and check it regularly
• Agree a fire action plan and make everyone in the property aware of it so that everyone in your house knows how to escape in the event of fire
• Ensure cigarettes are fully stubbed out and disposed of carefully
• Keep clothing away from heating appliances
• Take care in the kitchen especially when cooking with hot oil. Accidents whilst cooking account for more than half of all fires in the home
• Take special care when you are tired or when you've been drinking. Half of all deaths in domestic fires happen during the late evening and overnight.

• Never smoke in bed
• Always use a proper ashtray and make sure that it can't be knocked over
• Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished when you stub it out
• Never leave a lit cigarette lying around
• Keep matches and lighters away from children and out of their reach

• Check for overloaded plugs. You should fit one plug per socket unless you use a bar adapter on a lead. But don't plug appliances into the adapter that collectively use more than 13 amps of current.
• Check for worn or damaged cables and leads and replace them.
• Check for signs of loose or problematic wiring hot plugs and sockets, flickering lights or fuses blowing for no clear reason are all indicators that there could be a problem.
• Check that lights and lamps aren't positioned near curtains or other flammable materials.
• Check that all inflammable materials such as solvents or paraffin are stored safely away from children and direct sunlight or heat sources.