Portable heater safety tips:
- Always turn off before bed
- Don’t place too close to bedding, curtains and clothing – anything which could catch fire
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- If you have any concerns turn the heater off and consult a qualified electrician.
- Never use portable heaters to dry clothes!
Wood burners and open fires advice:
Ensure your burner is properly installed, maintained, and regularly serviced by a qualified person.
- wood burning stoves should be placed on a fire-resistant base and not directly onto a hardwood floor or carpeted surface
- ensure you use the right type of wood or coal
- the chimney or flue should be cleaned at the end of each heating season and at least once during the heating season
- use a protective fireguard
- remove ash and burnt fuel once it has cooled
Advice for heating thatched properties:
Heating your home – open fires and wood burners Burn seasoned or kiln-dried wood stored in a dry airy place. The moisture content of the wood should be below 20%. Check this by using a moisture sensing probe. Don’t burn any other waste material, stoves aren’t designed for this and it can lead to blocked chimneys or flues.
Safety checks:
• Ensure appliances are checked and serviced regularly (at least annually) by a Gas Safe registered engineer
• Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm in your home.
• Keep vents and chimneys clear at all times.
