WINTER FIRE SAFETY TIPS
WINTER FIRE SAFETY TIPS
With the cold season setting in, there comes with it fire related hazards, and in this article we share some tips on pre-winter preparation together with dos and don’ts;
Fireplaces and chimneys
- Clean chimneys and flues before you light the first fire of the season.
- Always use a fireguard or spark-guard when using an open fire.
- Never throw rubbish into the fireplace – particularly batteries and aerosol cans.
- Always empty ashes and ashtrays into a metal bin and pour water over them before disposal. Remember that ashes can take up to 5 days to cool.
- Keep matches, lighters and anything else that can create fire out of reach of children.
Electric Blankets
- Replace your electric blanket every 5 years with newer heat-protected models, which are safer.
- Worn and old electric blankets can cause an electric shock, fire and possibly even death.
- At the first sign of wear have your electric blanket checked by a qualified electrician.
- Do not place heavy objects on the bed while the blanket is on.
- Make sure the blanket is always flat on the bed and that controls or cords are not twisted or caught between the mattress and the base of the bed. Twisted cords are a common cause of electric blanket fires.
- Roll your blanket when you store it for the summer, do not fold it.
- Check that your electric blanket is in good working order before you use it and turn it off before you go to sleep.
Heaters and clothes dryers
- Remember the ‘heater metre’ rule:. Keep flammable materials at least one metre away from any heat sources. . Make sure you connect one heater or larger appliance per plug – no more.
- Never cover heating appliances or store objects on top of them.
- Do t overload clothes dryers and clean the lint filter after each load cycle.
Portable LPG Gas heaters
- Check to see that the gas hose is in good condition and does not show any signs of damage or wear.
- If the heater does not light straight away, turn it off and then try again. Do not let the gas build up before trying to relight it.
- Always have fresh air coming into rooms where a gas heater is in use.
- Have your heater serviced every 12 months.
Other fire safety tips to remember
- Fire moves incredibly fast – a house fire can kill within three minutes. Keep your smoke alarms in working order by pressing the button to check.
- Make a household escape plan so you can get out safely during a fire. Always keep keys in deadlocks on doors and windows.
- Do not leave the room when cooking. If you need to, remember to switch off before you walk off.
- Every household member should have an idea of how to operate a fire extinguisher