The County Fire Officer, William Brown of Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to issue a warning to all Warwickshire residents regarding keeping warm but also staying safe.
During this time of year the Service is called to a number of domestic fires that could have been avoided with a little care. In an effort to stay warm people will sometimes bring out an old electric fire or blanket, which may possible have been stored for a long period of time.
CFO Brown warns, "heating appliances don't go on forever they need regular maintenance and proper care to avoid becoming dangerous - check them thoroughly before using."
 Electric Blankets
Electric blankets cause hundreds of fires a year, but there are simple ways to stop that happening to you.
If your blanket (or its flex) shows any of these danger signs, you should have it checked or replaced:
- Fraying fabric
- Scorch marks
- Exposed elements
- Creasing or folding
- Soiling
- Damp patches
- Tie tapes damaged or missing
- Worn flex
- Loose connections
- An old BEAB safety mark - a round symbol (the new sign is white capital letters on a black background). This means it is more than 10 years old.
If in doubt....throw it out
A new blanket costs from about £15 - but you will sleep safer at night!
For details on electric blanket testing please contact Warwickshire County Council's Trading Standards Department's Adviceline 01926 414040.
Portable Heaters
Electric heaters are by far the most dangerous form of heating, they use a lot of electricity and generate a lot of heat - two reasons to treat them with great care.
- Keep them clear of curtains and furniture
- Sit at least three feet (one metre) away
- Buy them from reputable shops
- Don't dry washing on or near heaters, or on fire guards
- Don't cover the air grilles of storage heaters, fan heaters and convection heaters
Electric heaters must be fitted with the right fuse, which should be stated in the manufacturer's guide. The guard must prevent children or clothes coming into contact with the heating source. Cables should not be frayed or damaged and don't lay them under rugs or carpets where they can be walked on and damaged. Don't trail the leads across the floor where someone may trip over them and pull over the fire at the same time. If you find any damage, or aren't sure about the fuse or wiring, get a qualified electrician to advise you.
Gas heaters should be well maintained and checked over by a qualified gas engineer periodically.
If a leak of gas is detected:
- All naked lights and cigarettes should be extinguished.
- The cylinder should be turned off at the main valve and removed to the outside.
- The heater should then be serviced and repaired.
Cylinders should be stored outside, protected from frost and direct sunlight.
Paraffin heaters also need to be well maintained, thoroughly cleaned and the wick checked and trimmed. Be very careful when filling, doing so in the open air to avoid a build up of fumes. Once lit, don't move the heater or top up the paraffin. Wipe up any spills and change clothes if they become soiled with fuel. Be careful to let fumes escape safely from wiping cloths.
All portable heaters should always be secured in position to prevent them accidentally being knocked over when in use.
Always use a fireguard and never leave a heater unattended, especially when there are children about. A child's skin is very sensitive to heat. Children should not be left in a room with an unguarded fire. |