Winter safety

You should take extra care to prevent fire in the cold winter months. Read our winter fire safety tips.

The winter months can bring extra fire hazards such as faulty or misused electric blankets, and heaters. Here are some top tips to keep you, your family and your home safe from fire.

You can also check whether manufacturers  have recalled your products for safety reasons, on our product recall pages.

Use the links below for guidance:

• Electric blankets
• Chimneys and open fires
• Gas and space heaters

Electric blankets

• Check it conforms to BSEN 60967 and the plug is fitted with a 3-amp fuse
• Make sure it has a mechanism to cut off the power if the blanket overheats
• If the blanket is not new, have it serviced before use and again every two to three years, or according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Check whether it is an under or over-blanket and use it only for that purpose. The two are quite different and should not be interchanged
• Use the ties on an under-blanket to secure it to the mattress. This prevents slipping and creasing which could damage the elements
• Never get into bed with an under-blanket switched on. Unplug it first otherwise it may overheat and catch fire
• Never lie on top of an over-blanket when it's switched on - this could also start a fire
• Keep the blanket dry and flat, folding or creasing can damage elements
• Plan an escape route - if a fire occurs warn anyone else in the premises and get out, stay out and call 999
• Fit and maintain a smoke alarm

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Chimneys and open fires

• Have the chimney swept first before lighting the first fire of winter and don't allow soot or ash to build up
• Use a fireguard and do not put objects on, or mirrors over, a mantelpiece. People may be tempted to stand too close to the fire to reach them
• Burn the recommended fuels and avoid resinous woods as soot from these builds up quickly
• Do not overload the grate or bank fires too high, let fires burn down well before going to bed and check the hearth, floor and furnishings near the fire for sparks or embers
• Inspect your chimney breast, particularly in the roof space. Make sure it is sound and that sparks or fumes can't escape through cracks or broken bricks.

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Gas and space heaters

• Never sit too close to the heater, you could set light to your clothes or your chair especially if you fall asleep
• Heaters should stand where they can't be knocked over and away from beds, furniture and furnishings
• Do not put them where objects may fall on them and never dry clothes too close to the heater
• Make sure all heaters are guarded, particularly if you have children
• Never try to move any portable heater while it is alight - always turn it off and allow it to cool first.
• If using a gas heater, ensure it conforms to the British Standard 'kitemark' and have it serviced regularly
• When changing a gas heater cylinder, try to do this in open air. Otherwise, open windows and doors to increase ventilation. Never change a cylinder on the stairs or on any other escape route. Check that the valve on the empty cylinder is closed before disconnecting it and do not turn on the valve of the new cylinder until it is securely connected to the heater
• Store spare cylinders upright and outside whenever possible. Never store them in basements, under stairs or in cupboards containing electric meters or equipment.

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