As winter gets underway and temperatures are likely to drop, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) is urging residents to take extra home safety precautions.
They are urging people to carry out an online home fire safety check via the fire service’s website, where they can also check their eligibility for an in-person visit.
Those who are elderly or vulnerable are entitled to a free visit from NFRS to assess the fire safety of their homes.
Emyr Gough, area manager, head of prevention and protection at NFRS, said: “Now we are approaching winter, and the weather is turning, we would urge everyone to take measures to stay safe at home.
“Please also look out for your friends, relatives and neighbours, especially if they are elderly or live alone.
“Offer to test their smoke alarms, make sure they know to keep a good distance from any portable heaters, talk to them about our free home fire safety checks or just knock on their door if you haven’t seen them to check they are OK.”
The fire service’s advice for home safety this winter is:
*Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every floor in your house and test them regularly.
*If you are using a portable heater, keep it at a safe distance from you (at least one metre) and away from any flammable items such as bedding, furniture and curtains.
*Do not use them to dry clothes, switch them off overnight and check them regularly for wear and tear.
*Only buy heaters from reputable retailers to ensure they meet British safety standards.
*If you use emollients (medical moisturisers that treat skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis), do not smoke, go near a portable heater, a gas hob or any other naked flame. When dried into clothing and bedding, all emollients present a serious fire risk.
*Have your chimney swept by a professional if it’s going to be used this winter.
*Do not leave any candles unattended and if you have already put the Christmas tree up, switch off the lights at the wall when you go out or go to bed.
*Don’t overload sockets and avoid block adaptors if at all possible – the boards are much safer.
*If you use an electric blanket or heated throw, please check it thoroughly for wear and tear, never use it as an over blanket or at the same time as a hot water bottle.
*Check the date and condition of your hot water bottle. The flower symbol on the bottle shows when it was made – the number in the centre is the year and each of the petals represents a month in that year. The dots are the weeks in that month. Hot water bottles should be replaced after two years and checked regularly for signs of wear and tear, as they can cause serious burns if the rubber disintegrates.
Margaret Dewsbury, cabinet member for communities at Norfolk County Council, said: “If you know someone who would benefit from a free home fire safety visit, please visit the fire service’s website to see if they are eligible.
“This might be because they are elderly, need care or support, have mental health issues, are a smoker or are more vulnerable to fires in another way.
“We want to keep everyone safe this winter.”
*For more information click here.
