As the days get shorter and colder you will be turning up the heat to keep warm over the winter months. Protect yourself from the threat of fires in the home by following the advice below.
Chimneys & open fires
have your chimney swept at least once a year, ideally in the autumn before your first log or coal fire, if you burn wood you should have your chimney swept more frequently
avoid burning resinous woods
only burn suitable fuels
do not overload your fire place
make sure embers are under control and properly put out before you go to bed
always check round the fire place for hot embers or sparks
use a British Standard fire guard to prevent sparks escaping
make sure the appliance receives enough air to allow the fuel to burn properly
maintain your appliance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
inspect your chimney breast, particularly the roof space. Make sure that it is sound and that the sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks
avoid storing items in the roof space close to your chimney.
Portable Heaters
extra checks are required if the heater has been stored and not used for a period of time
never air or dry clothing on heaters
keep heaters away from curtains and furniture
always unplug electric heaters when you go out or go to bed
don’t leave children or pets unattended if portable heaters are switched on turn off portable heaters before going to bed at night and unplug electric heathers
try to secure heaters against a wall to stop them falling over
don’t place heaters where they can be knocked over or where a door could open on to it
never move the heater while it’s alight or switched on
only use gas or paraffin heaters in well ventilated areas. Heaters consume oxygen so you could suffocate if a room is not properly aired
don’t stand or sit too close, your clothing may melt or ignite
choose an appliance that meets the British or European safety standard
follow the manufacturers operating and maintenance instructions
keep them clean and serviced regularly
ensure a permanent safety guard is fitted. If the heater is to be used in one place, fix it securely to a floor or a wall
do not use flammable adhesives, cleaning fluids or aerosol sprays near a heater. Remember that fumes given off from some products are heavier than air and will travel some distance.
Electric Blankets
never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off
unplug blankets before you get into bed, unless they have a thermostat control for safe all-night use
don’t buy second-hand blankets
check regularly for wear and tear
replace your blanket when it is more than 10 years old
when storing electric blankets make sure they are either flat or rolled up as folding them damages the internal wiring.
If the electricity fails
keep a battery operated light or torch handy in the event of a power cut or failure
if you have to use candles or matches always take special care, put them out completely before leaving the room or going to bed
use a snuffer or a spoon to put out candles, it’s safer than blowing them out when sparks can fly
make sure candles are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire – like curtains
keep a mobile phone handy so you can still make an emergency call if there is a power cut
This safety advice is offered as guidance only. If in doubt, Get out, Stay out and get the Fire and Rescue Service out!
