Keep warm, keep safe

With the cold weather here, Avon Fire & Rescue is urging people to keep warm and keep safe.

During the chilly weather we tend to spend more time in our homes, using a range of methods to keep ourselves warm. However ignoring a few basic precautions could cause a house fire to start with devastating consequences.

“If used correctly most heating appliances pose no danger, but during the colder spells we tend to see a rise in the number of house fires we attend that involve things like electric heaters, open fires and electric blankets,” said James Bladon from Avon Fire & Rescue.

The Keep Warm, Keep Safe message aims to remind those most at risk, such as older people, those with long-term illnesses or families with young children, to take extra care.

Avon Fire & Rescue has these safety tips.

• Keep heaters away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.
• Always unplug electrical heaters when you go out or go to bed.
• Unless the instructions say it is safe to do so, always unplug electric blankets before getting into bed.
• Never use hot water bottles and electric blankets in the same bed, even if the blanket is off.
• Make sure open fires are protected by a guard to stop flying sparks and embers
• Chimneys and flues should be swept regularly and well maintained.

“Sometimes accidents do happen, so having working smoke alarms in your home can give you vital extra minutes to get out of the property in the event of a fire. Make sure you test the batteries every week,” said James Bladon.

For more details about the help Avon Fire & Rescue provides and its home fire safety check service call 0117 926 2061 or visit www.avonfire.gov.uk