Click here to see a copy of the "Fire Safety in the Winter" leaflet.

24 October 2008

With winter on its way and the nights drawing in, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has issued a timely warning to householders to stay warm but safe as the colder weather takes hold.

And with the clocks going back an hour on Sunday, it is also reminding everyone to check their smoke alarm batteries and continue testing them every week.

Community safety manager Terry Ridgley said: “As it gets colder and darker it’s inevitable that we will spend more time indoors staying as cosy as possible.

“You might take additional measures to keep warm, perhaps by using heaters and lighting fires, but these may bring an increased risk of fire into the home.

“At this time of year, the risk of a fire in the home can also increase as people use more electricity and possibly overload plug sockets.

“All households should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of their property, and now is a good time to ensure they work effectively.”

Terry offered the following advice to help you reduce your fire risk this winter:

Fires and heaters

• Always use a fire guard to protect an open fire against flying sparks and hot embers and make sure embers are under control and properly put out before you go out or go to bed.
  
  
• Keep portable heaters away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.  Always unplug electric heaters when you go out and go to bed.

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 leave electric blankets folded as this damages the internal wiring.  Store them flat or rolled up instead.

Candles

• Make sure that candles are secured in a proper holder.
  
  
• Keep them away from materials that may catch fire, like curtains. 
  
  
• Put out candles completely when you leave the room or go to bed

If you would like Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service to carry out a free check of the fire risks in your home, and fit free smoke alarms where necessary, ring 01296 744477, email cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or fill in our online form.