Winter - In the home

Staying safe, but warm during cold weather

An open fire.

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.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is here to help and offer advice. If you are in any doubt over any fire safety issues, please do get in touch. We all want to be warm in winter, but we must avoid tragedy.

The Service has the following advice to help you reduce your fire risk this winter:

Gas or electric powered fires and 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.

Candles

Candles may also be used more to lighten up the dark evenings. As with open fires, a naked flame brings risks if they are not treated carefully.

  • Never leave candles unattended or go to sleep while they are lit.
  • Leave plenty of space above and around the candle and its holder.
  • Place candles in a draught-free area away from curtains, furniture and other flammable surfaces.
  • Choose a suitable site for your candles that is flat and stable.
  • Always use a proper candle-holder and fit the candle in firmly.
  • Always use a heat-resistant surface to place the candle-holder on - eg a ceramic plate.
  • Never place candles directly on televisions or other polished surfaces.
  • Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
  • Never attempt to move a candle once it is lit.
  • Always use a candle-snuffer, or a metal spoon to extinguish the candle and allow cooling before moving it.

Smoke alarms

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to test your smoke alarm every week. If a fire does occur in your home, a working smoke alarm could save the lives of you and your family.

  • Smoke alarms must conform to the British Standard 5446: Part 1 and display the kite mark.
  • Follow the manufacturers' instructions when installing.
  • The best protection is obtained by fitting a smoke alarm in each room - but not the kitchen or bathroom.
  • Best practice is to have mains powered alarms that are linked together.
  • The minimum recommended level of provision is to fit a smoke alarm on each floor of your home, at the bottom of the staircase and on each upstairs landing.
  • If only one smoke alarm is to be installed, make sure that it is fitted in a place where it can be heard throughout your home - particularly when you are asleep.
  • They are designed to be fitted at least 30cm from walls and light fittings.
  • Alarms should not be fixed next to or directly above heaters or air conditioning outlets.
  • If your home is on one level, you should fit at least one smoke alarm in the hallway between the living and sleeping areas.
  • Some alarms can be linked together so that if one of them senses smoke, all of them will sound - this can provide the earliest possible warning.
  • Smoke alarms should be tested each week by pressing the test button.
  • Vacuum the inside of the alarm regularly to ensure that dust is not blocking the sensor chamber.