WITH Christmas just a couple of weeks away, Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued a timely warning to local people to stay warm but safe as the colder weather takes hold.

Home safety manager Neil Chamberlain said: “As it gets colder and darker, it's inevitable that people will spend more time indoors staying as warm as possible. Using additional heating is understandable, but this can bring an increased risk of fire into the home. By following some simple rules, you can stay warm and safe.”

He added: “Wiltshire Fire & 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, and always remember to test your smoke detector every week, as working smoke detectors save lives. We'd also recommend carbon monoxide alarms to warn against the risk of CO poisoning - it could be the best Christmas present you buy.”

Open fires can provide a relaxing and atmospheric way to keep warm, whereas portable heaters are handy to move around but firefighters say it is important to use them safely:

  • Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks and hot embers from an open fire.
  • Get your chimney swept regularly.
  • Make sure embers are under control and properly extinguished 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 or go to bed.
  • Gas fires should be serviced every year by a competent engineer
  • Electric blankets can help you keep warm during the cold nights, but they can be a danger if not used properly - 440 injuries result from every 1,000 fires started by an electric blanket. 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 fold up electric blankets as this damages the internal wiring. Store them flat or rolled up instead.

Some households will qualify for a free home fire safety check from Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service. To find out more, call 0800 389 7849 or visit wiltsfire.gov.uk