The Home Safety Refresh: A Quick, Essential Checklist for Autumn
As we’re gradually spending more time indoors, now’s an ideal time to make sure your London home is as safe as it is stylish. From basic fire prevention to first aid supplies, here’s our step-by-step guide to a seasonal home safety refresh, tailored for London life.
01 | Test All Alarms
Smoke Detectors: Press and hold the test button on every unit in the house until the alarm sounds. If it doesn’t, replace the batteries or the unit. If your smoke detectors are more than 2 years old, change all the batteries anyway.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Essential if you have a boiler, gas stove or open gas fire. Replace units every 5 years and test monthly. Replace batteries seasonally, even if the alarm sounds when tested.
Pro tips:
Consider upgrading to smart alarms which send alerts to your phone when the batteries need replacing. Until then, set yourself monthly and annual testing reminders.
When testing smoke detectors and alarms around the house, have someone else in the bedroom(s) with the door closed, listening out to hear the alarms sounding. If they can’t hear the alarms, you won’t be alerted if they sound at night. Think carefully about where your alarms are located and whether you need to install more or upgrade your system.
02 | Fire Equipment
Fire Extinguishers: Check pressure gauges are in the green and ensure they’re not expired. Check when extinguishers were last serviced, and make arrangements as necessary.
Fire Blankets: Should be wall-mounted in the kitchen - visible, accessible, in date and unused. Replace if there is any room for doubt.
Chimneys: Book a professional sweep now if you use an open fire or wood-burning stove in the winter.
03 | Escape Plan Check
Have a plan and walk through a fire escape route with all family members. Can windows be opened easily? Are keys in the right places? If you’ve moved recently, changed the layout or built an extension, now’s the time to adjust the plan and rehearse an escape.
For London apartments, know your building's evacuation policy - especially if you live in a purpose‑built unit or high rise where there may be escape routes and signage to become familiar with. Contact the estate managament team if you’re unsure.
04 | Safety Essentials
Check torches, batteries and first aid kits. Does anything need replacing?
Review emergency contacts on your phone and update them.
Know where your main water and gas shut-offs are.
Make sure someone close by that you trust has a spare key to your home.
If your children are changing schools, double check the school has your number for emergencies, and children’s phones are pre-set with your number.
Always charge e‑bikes/scooters with the correct charger. Never leave them unattended, and ideally charge them outside. If indoors, store them in a room with a door you can close - not on an escape route - and make sure there are working smoke alarms in the vicinity.
05 | Insurance & Inventory
Review your home insurance documents, especially if you’ve made new purchases, upgrades, or completed renovations this year. Take new photos or update your digital inventory list.
If you’re having work done, you might want to consider adding Construction Insurance.
06 | Ask the experts
The London Fire Brigade have developed a brilliant room-by-room Home Fire Safety Checker tool, assessing the level of fire risk in your home and offering recommendations and steps to take based on the information you’ve provided. The advice might include booking an in-person Home Fire Safety Visit, where a professional will share their expertise free of charge. They will even fit free smoke alarms during the visit if you need them.
Need some support? Your CiD EA can book a Home Fire Safety Visit or source smart alarm systems, and other items on your safety essentials list.