Most of us in Gnosall have a sofa or armchair that has been around a while, maybe bought second-hand, maybe inherited, maybe just too comfy to part with. But when it comes to fire safety, soft furnishings are one of those everyday things that can make a big difference - for better or worse.

What "Firesafe" means for furniture in the UK

In the UK, most upholstered furniture sold new has to meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations. In plain English: fillings and covers should be resistant to catching fire from a small ignition source, and there should usually be a permanent label saying it complies. The key point is that the rules are there to reduce how quickly a fire can spread.

If you want the official detail (and what the labels mean), this is the clearest place to start: firesafe.org.uk - Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations.

Quick checks you can do at home

• Look for a sewn-in label under cushions or on the base that mentions compliance with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations.
• Be cautious with older, unlabelled upholstered items, especially foam-filled sofas, armchairs, and cushions.
• Take extra care with second-hand or charity shop furniture - ask if it is labelled as compliant.
• Keep candles, heaters, and chargers well away from sofas and curtains - it is the simple stuff that catches people out.

Buying, selling, or donating furniture locally

If you are selling or giving away upholstered furniture, the safest route is to make sure it has the right permanent label. If it does not, think twice before passing it on. Charity shops and reuse schemes will often refuse unlabelled upholstered furniture for good reason.

Worried about safety, or need local help?

If you have concerns about a rented property, start by raising it with your landlord or letting agent, then follow up with your local council if needed. For local contacts:

• Gnosall Parish Council: gnosallparishcouncil.gov.uk
• Stafford Borough Council: staffordbc.gov.uk
• Staffordshire County Council: staffordshire.gov.uk

If there is an immediate danger, do not sit on it - call 999.