Airbnb have launched a collaboration with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) to promote and educate hosts across the country on the importance of fire safety in the home.

Working together with experts from the NFCC, Airbnb have produced a two page guide - which will be sent to over 100,000 hosts across the UK - setting out simple and easy steps everyone can take to make their home even safer for guests. The guide builds on Airbnb’s work with the former Chief Fire Officers Association, and brings the guidance up to date with current industry standards.

Official statistics from the Home Office show all fire-related incidents - in and out of the home - are on the rise, with a four percent increase in fires attended by services across England last year. With fire and rescue services up and down the country working hard to educate their local communities on fire safety, Airbnb has committed to join forces with the NFCC to help spread the message of fire safety to their vibrant community of hosts.

Natasha Mytton Mills, Public Policy Manager at Airbnb UK, said:

“At Airbnb, we’re committed to supporting safe hosting and are pleased to have teamed up with the UK’s leading experts to develop guidance for our community and lead our industry on this important issue. Whether it’s taking a minute to test your smoke alarms regularly, or having an escape plan for guests handy, we’re encouraging all of our hosts to follow a few simple steps to make their home even safer.”

Nick Coombe, Vice Chair of NFCC Protection Committee, commented:

"NFCC is delighted to see that Airbnb is committed to carrying out a number of initiatives to promote home fire safety. Fire and rescue services are happy to provide support and advice to their communities so we are encouraging hosts to approach their local service for help to ensure homes are safe for families and their guests.”

Unlike other platforms, Airbnb carries out a number of initiatives to promote home safety including regular community events and giving away free smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to eligible hosts around the world.

Nick, an Airbnb host based in Southwark, London, has been hosting for four years. He said: “Naturally safety is very important for myself and my family. I have carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, even fire blankets. That kind of level of safety covers myself, my family, as well as my Airbnb guests.”

The ‘Safety Tips For Your Home’ guide, which will be emailed to hosts across the UK, is also available to download from Airbnbcitizen.com.