Fire is one of the biggest dangers facing domestic properties. Just look at the statistics: in 2006, the main cause of house fires in the UK was misuse of equipment and appliances, with 16,200 fires having been started in this way. As such, the primary source of ignition was cooking appliances, which accounted for 56 per cent.

Practicing electrical safety is, therefore, not only vital for saving your life, but also your home and its contents. And, whilst it is not possible to completely eradicate the possibility of fire, there are certain elementary precautions you can take, to limit as far as possible, the likelihood it will happen.

According to experts, many fires start at night so it's imperative to be aware of what to do before going to bed. This includes switching off and unplugging any appliances not being used, such as mobile phone chargers. Portable heaters or electrical fires should never be left on overnight and the doors to all rooms should be closed.

Ensuring all your electrical appliances comply with the relevant safety standards is another must. This means looking out for the CE mark, the BEAB mark, the BS safety mark or British Standard number when you buy electrical equipment. It also pays to be cautious of second-hand electrical items, since a study into their safety concluded that one in four does not meet the required standards.

When establishing if your home is at risk, there are certain fundamental factors to be aware of. For example, pay attention to issues like hot plugs and sockets, flickering lights, or frequently blown fuses. These can potentially indicate problems like loose wiring.

Furthermore, cords should never be run under carpets or furniture, since they can easily overheat and ignite a fire. Frayed or split power leads are another issue to be conscious of: damaged ones should not be covered over with tape, but replaced immediately.

It is also imperative that you fit smoke alarms around your property. It is a fact that out of the 55,800 domestic fires in 2006, 25,800 failed to have a smoke alarm in the fire area. They should be tested every week to ensure they work and the battery should be replaced annually.

Having adequate home insurance is also crucial. Fire is one of the most destructive elements and if one breaks out in your home, regardless of how big or small it is; this will cause exceptional damage. And, whether your carpet has been melted due to a too-hot heater, or your entire house has burned down, you need the right insurance to financially protect yourself and your family.

There are a range of policies dealing with and it is worthwhile having one in place that will cover you for such eventualities as fire and replacement of damaged electrical items. Therefore, allowing you to protect your home, and yourself.