When cold weather hits, its important to stay warm. But some of the things we do to keep warm and cosy, such as using heaters and electric blankets, may bring an increased risk of fire into the home.
Gas or electric powered heaters
Before turning on the heater, check that the wires have not been frayed or damaged. Keep portable heaters away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes. Always unplug portable heaters when you go out and go to bed.
Chimneys and open fires
An open fire in your home is a hazardous area. The variety of fuels that can be burned and the way that sparks and embers can find themselves thrown beyond the hearth means that home owners with open fires need to be especially vigilant. Whatever fuel you burn, it is important that the chimney is kept clean and you do not allow soot or ash to build up.
- Avoid burning resinous woods as soot builds up quickly.
- Do not overload the grate or appliance.
- Do not bank fires too high and remember to let them burn down well before you retire to bed.
- Check the floor and furnishings near the fire for hot sparks or embers before you go to bed.
- Use a fire or spark guard to prevent accidental fires and make sure that it has the kite mark or conforms to a relevant British / European standard.
- Do not place objects on or over the mantle-piece which may cause you to stand too close to the fire to reach or use them.
- Inspect your chimney breast regularly – particularly in the roof space – to ensure that it is sound and that sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks.
Electric Blankets
Electric blankets can help you keep warm during the cold nights, but fires can be devastating with approximately 440 injuries resulting from every 1000 fires started by an electric blanket in the UK. Therefore, there are fire safety issues to consider:
- Check that the wires have not been frayed or damaged
- Make sure that the blanket make has the kite mark or conforms to a relevant British / European standard.
- 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 leave electric blankets folded as this damages the internal wiring. Store them flat or rolled up instead.
If a fire does breakout in your home, having a working smoke alarm fitted could save your life, as it will act as an early warning sign, allowing you to get out as soon as possible. Click here for information about a free Home Fire Safety Check.
Road Safety
When driving in wintry conditions, it is important that you follow a few steps to help keep you safer on the roads. They are:
- Make sure that your car is roadworthy by checking the tyres, lights, windscreen wipers and windscreen wash.
- Make sure that you have de-iced the car and you can see clearly out the windows before you set-off.
- Slow down, remember you may need a longer distance to stop, especially, if there is black ice on the roads.
- Do not drink and drive.