Fire proofing

With masses of people, candles, spliffs being passed and doors blocked by couples copping off, house parties are hardly a fireman's dream come true. Here's how to keep your home as fire-safe as possible.

Checklist:

• Fire extinguishers may seem overkill, but the ability to quickly tackle a little fire before it gets big is a small investment. Oh, and make sure they are working, visible and accessible;
• Check that you have all the keys for windows and back doors or other fire exits. Unlock them for the party or put the keys on string, or in clearly marked envelopes by the relevant exits;
• Make or buy a couple of signs for the fire exits and put them up in the right place, along with a couple of arrowed signs in corridors and the main rooms for how to find them;
• Use old sheets or throws to cover sofas and armchairs to protect them from hot rocks and spills;
• Ensure your house is up to standard. Dodgy landlords don't often keep their houses up to regulation, so unfortunately it's up to you;
• Be certain your mobile has credit and is charged, or your landline is working, just in case you need to make that 999 call.

On the night:

• Put candles high up out of easy knocking-over range, either on stands or plates. Keep them away from the punch/alcohol table. A safer alternative would be to use small electric lights or lamps;
• Provide plenty of ashtrays. Foil takeaway boxes are good for this and you can often bulk-buy these at the shops;
• If fire strikes, know what to do: don't tackle the fire yourself, and get out.

Thief proofing

Pre-party planning

If your party's going to be at home, think about what rooms you plan to use. Chances are you won't want people roaming all over the place, and nosing through your nick-nacks, so work out what's off-limits and take steps to flag it up as such. It won't deter the criminal element, but it might stop mates accidentally uncovering your love letters.

Lock stock

Make good use of any lockable rooms. Don't just store expensive stuff in there, but items of personal value, too. The less gear you have lying around, the more likely you are to enjoy your own party.

Sound security

So you've saved up to buy the latest decks or iPod dock with six surround-sound speakers. It may sound great, but do you really want to risk someone slipping it out of the toilet window when you're not looking? Obviously you need some sounds, so try finding an old (but loud) system that won't be missed should it go walkies. If this isn't possible, draw up a 'tunes rota' with your mates so that someone's watching it all times.

Music management

Your music collection is effectively the soundtrack to your life; so don't risk losing it to some light-fingered tealeaf. Best bet is to put it all on to one mp3 player, or laptop if it isn't already - so no-one could sneak off with it without there being a deathly silence.  Or burn some CDs beforehand and lock all your originals away.

If your name's not down...

No-one wants to end up as the next "house-of-horror house party", so it's good to have someone on the door from start to finish, just to stop strangers from dropping in and doing your place over. If you can, get some muscle in - even if it's just a mate of a mate. Just be sure you trust them with, well, your house.

Updated: 15/12/2009