Norfolk Fire issues safety advice for those heating their homes with portable heaters
Norfolk's fire service recorded four fatal house fires last year caused by the unsafe use of portable heaters
As it gets colder here, Norfolk Fire and Rescue are urging those using portable heaters to keep them, 'one metre away' from all furniture, clothes and people.
It's as the service warns the number of those killed or seriously injured in house fires "has started to rise over the last few years".
Last year, our county's fire service recorded four fatal house fires in Norfolk caused by the unsafe use of these types of radiators.
"We're hoping to drive down the number of fatalities"
Terry Pinto is prevention lead for the service:
"We are pushing more energy into prevention, to try and reduce the number of times we need to respond in an emergency.
"We're hoping to drive down the number of fatalities or deaths caused by these house fires. Unfortunately that's started to rise over the past few years in Norfolk."
"Keep them at least one meter away"
He gave us this advice for people who are planning on using such devices: "The number one piece of advice is keep them a safe distance away from anything flammable.
"Keep them at least one meter away from yourself, away from furniture, never dry clothes in front of them, avoid plugging them in to multiple extension leads and adaptors and choose a safe type of heater.
"Other things to be aware of include making sure your boiler has an up to date service, getting your chimney swept before lighting a fire and checking in on family, friends, neighbours and the older more vulnerable community.
"If you have any safety concerns you can also contact Norfolk Fire and Rescue service to complete a free home safety check."
Safety advice from Norfolk Fire:
- Always follow the manufacturers operating and maintenance instructions. Keep them clean and serviced regularly. Pay special attention following a period of storage or after a seasonal break.
- Ventilate rooms where the heater is to be used
- Ensure a permanent safety guard is fitted. If the heater is to be used in one place, fix it securely to a floor or a wall.
- Turn off portable heaters before going to bed at night
- Do not move the heater while it is alight or switched on
- Do not stand or sit too close, your clothing may melt or ignite
- Do not place a heater too close to furniture, bedding, or curtains
- Do not place heaters where they can be knocked over
- Do not operate a heater from where a door could open on to it
- Do not air, or dry clothing on heaters
- Do not leave portable heaters on if young children or pets are left unattended
- Do not use flammable adhesives, cleaning fluids or aerosol sprays near a heater
- Remember that fumes given off from some products are heavier than air and will travel some distance
More specific advice on different types of heaters can be found on the Norfolk County Council website.