Keeping warm at home

Use open fires, heaters and electric blankets safely

An open fire

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.