During the winter period, the risk of a fire in the home increases. Electrical heaters and open fires, candles and electric blankets all adding to the potential fire risk.
We’ve put together some handy tips to keep your home safe, warm and flame-free.
Portable heaters
• Keep heaters away from curtains and furniture and never use them to dry clothes.
• Always unplug electric heaters when you leave your home or go to bed.
• Secure heaters against a wall to stop them falling over.
Electric blankets
• Unplug blankets before you get in bed, unless they’ve a thermostat control for safe all-night use
• Store them flat, rolled or loosely folded to avoid damaging the wiring
• Don’t buy second hand blankets and check regularly for wear and tear
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
E-scooters & e-bikes
• Always unplug your charger when you’ve finished using it
• Never leave it charging unattended or charge it while you are asleep
• Don’t overload any plug socket such as extension leads
• Don’t overcharge your battery – the manufacturer’s instructions will contain this information
• Read your manufacturer’s instructions
Be ready for a power cut
• Ensure you have a battery-operated light or torch somewhere you can easily access it.
• Keep a mobile phone handy so you can still make an emergency call if there is a power cut. It also makes a handy torch!
• Don’t use candles, they’re a fire hazard and could put you or your family at risk.
Avoid a nightmare before Christmas with our top safety tips!
‘Tis the season to be jolly…and decorate safely!
Ensure your Christmas is merry and bright by making fire safety a priority this year with these top tips.
- Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard.
- Keep your Christmas tree away from heat sources
- If it's real, keep it watered. If it's fake, check it's made up of fire retardant materials
- Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings
- Decorations can burn easily - don't attach them to lights or heaters.
- Don't overload electrical sockets! Switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed.
- The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed. Avoid cooking after drinking alcohol and never leave cooking unattended.
- Keep lighters and matches out of reach of children.
- Avoid using candles, and if you must, NEVER leave burning candles unattended.
- Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every floor of your home and test it regularly.