When the temperature drops - fire risks rise - as people turn on electric heaters, light candles and start cooking more hot food.
London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner for Community Safety, Andy Barrett, said: “Every winter Londoners die in house fires that could have been avoided. If you leave candles unattended or put electrical heaters near flammable material like curtains or clothes, this can lead to tragedy.
“We also hear far too often, about people who have got tucked up in bed with a cigarette and fallen asleep while it’s still lit.
“It’s very sad to see people losing their possessions or getting hurt in fires that could have been prevented by taking some very simple advice”.
London Fire Brigade’s winter tips:
• Fit a smoke alarm on each level of your home and check alarms regularly to make sure they work
• Keep clothing or other objects away from electric heaters or fires
• Ensure all your electrical appliances are in safe working order, replacing frayed cords and broken plugs and keeping them free from dust
• Make sure candles are used with caution and never left unattended
• Unless you have an electric blanket that is designed to be used overnight, turn it off before getting into bed - make sure your blanket is serviced regularly
• Put out cigarettes carefully – never smoke in bed (falling asleep while smoking is a major cause of fires)
• Make an escape plan – make sure you and your family know what to do if a fire starts, including where door and window keys are kept
• Don’t leave cooking unattended
• Visit www.london-fire.gov.uk for fire safety advice
Andy Barrett said: “Winter is also a time where vulnerable people are at greater risk, and sadly many fire deaths involve older people who live alone or have reduced mobility. If you have older friends, neighbours or relatives why not pay them a visit and make sure they know how to protect their homes from fire?”
