As winter settles in and temperatures drop, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is offering essential guidance on staying warm while prioritising safety, especially in the current economic climate.
With the cost of living remaining high, the focus is on finding economical ways to keep warm, but safety must not be compromised.
Safe & Well Manager Sarah Moore said: “When the temperatures start to drop, we know that people get heaters and electric blankets out of storage, but we also know that lots of households are doing things differently to try and save money. Whether that’s using an open fire for the first time in years, or delaying essential maintenance of boilers, the risks could be far greater than any cash saving, so we’re urging everyone to take extra care and #SaveSafely.”
Moore encourages residents to reach out for assistance: “We are here to help and offer advice. If you are in doubt over any home 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 thing you buy this year.”
Key safety advice includes:
- Avoid Indoor Use of Outdoor Equipment: Camping stoves, barbecues, or patio heaters should never be used indoors, even with open doors and windows. They pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and should be used exclusively outdoors.
- Check Electric Heaters and Blankets: Before use, inspect electric heaters and blankets that have been in storage for signs of damage, such as scorch marks, hot plugs, and loose wiring. Proper storage of electric blankets is crucial to prevent damage to internal wiring.
- Use Heaters Appropriately: Ensure the correct placement of heaters. Standard gas or electric portable heaters should not be used in bathrooms, and portable gas heaters must be used in well-ventilated spaces only. Outdoor heaters should never be brought indoors.
- Safe Indoor Drying: When drying clothes indoors, keep them away from heat sources to prevent fire hazards.
- Chimney Maintenance: If you have an open fire or wood burner, regular chimney sweeping is essential to reduce the risk of chimney fires. Be cautious about burning unseasoned wood, as it can create a residue prone to catching fire in the chimney.
- Boiler Servicing: Regular boiler servicing enhances efficiency and reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Wheat Bag Safety: Follow manufacturer instructions when using wheat bags, avoiding overheating.
For comprehensive guidance on staying safe and warm this winter, visit www.dwfire.org.uk/save-safely.
