This safety advice is only offered as guidance. If in doubt, GET OUT, STAY OUT & GET THE FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE OUT!

         
Arson Prevention
Babysitters
Boat Safety
Candles
Caravan/Mobile Home
Car Fires
Care Homes
Chimney Fires
Close That Door
Cooking Fires
Domestic Sprinklers
Electrical Safety
Fire Action Plan
Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguisher Guide
Fire Safety Outdoors
Firesetters
Firework Safety
Flying Lanterns
Heater Safety
High Rise Fire Safety
Hoax Calls
Kitchen Safety
Shared Housing
Smoke Alarm Maintenance

Smoke Alarm Provision
Thatch Fires
Unwanted False Alarms

Heaters regularly cause deaths in the home. Most accidents happen because we sit too close to them or stand them too close to clothing or other items in the room. We also leave them on all night. Electric space heaters are involved in most accidents while gas, solid fuel and LPG gas heaters also carry a high risk.

Follow these simple rules for safe use:

• Make sure all heaters are well clear of furnishings.
• Never use aerosol sprays near a space heater.
• Take care with timing devices.
• Try to sit at least 1m (3') away from the heat source.
• Buy heaters from reputable dealers.

Radiant Fires:

• Use a fireguard, permanently if you have young children.
• Don't dry laundry by the fire.
• Wall mounted fires should be 1m (3') away from furnishings or doors.

Storage Heaters/Fan Heaters/Convection Heaters:

• Don't cover air grilles.
• Keep heaters away from curtains and furniture by 8cm (3").

Solid Fuel Heaters:


• Always follow instructions for use.
• Keep your heater clean, brush out flue passages monthly.
• Have your chimney swept annually.

Gas Fires:


• A CORGI registered installer should carry out installation and maintenance.
• Ventilation is essential. Never block or obstruct a vent.
• Do not turn any electrical switches on or off if you smell gas.
• When changing gas cylinders, do not open the valve on the new cylinder until it is properly connected.

Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters, Manor House, Potterne, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 5PP
Tel: 01380 723601 Fax: 01380 727000
Web site: www.wiltsfire.gov.uk

Disclaimer/Copyright© 2003 Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service. All rights reserved.