Keeping warm at home
Use open fires, heaters and electric blankets safely
CAMBRIDGESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has issued a timely warning to residents to make sure they stay warm, but safe, as the colder weather takes hold.
As it gets colder and darker it's inevitable that we all spend more time indoors staying as cosy as possible. You might take additional measures to keep warm and cosy such as heaters and candles but these may bring an increased risk of fire into the home.
The Service has the following advice to help you reduce your fire risk this winter:
Gas or electric powered heaters
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.
Have your chimney swept at least once a year, or more frequently if you burn wood
Avoid burning resinous woods as soot builds up quickly
Burn only suitable fuels
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 hearth, 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 440 injuries resulting from every 1000 fires started by an electric blanket. Therefore, there are fire safety issues to consider:
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.
.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 (C) Park Farm Neighbourhood Watch 2011, Peterborough,UK E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ALL ENQUIRIES LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE: 0345 4564564 OR Dial 999. If you have any information about crime contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to Court. >> Broadcast Quality ISDN 01733 555319 ISDN Codecs G722 & ATX >> Media Enquiries: JULIAN BRAY 01733 345581 http://tinyurl.com/STANGROUNDPFNW
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