Winter Fire Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

1. Inspect Your Heating Appliances

Before turning up the heat, ensure your central heating system, space heaters, and fireplaces are in good working condition. Faulty equipment can be a major fire hazard.

• • Get your boiler serviced annually by a professional.

  • Check portable heaters for damaged cords or plugs.

  • Clean chimneys and flues to remove any soot or debris that could cause a chimney fire.

2. Be Careful with Candles

Candles add a warm, festive touch to winter evenings, but they’re a common cause of house fires.

• Place candles on stable, non-flammable surfaces.

• Keep them away from curtains, bedding, and holiday decorations.

• Never leave a candle unattended, and always extinguish them before leaving a room.

3. Watch Your Cooking

Cooking fires are one of the most common causes of house fires, especially during the festive period.

• Stay in the kitchen when using the hob or oven.

• Keep flammable items like tea towels and wooden utensils away from the stove.

• Use a timer to avoid forgetting food in the oven.

4. Check Your Festive Decorations

Christmas lights and decorations can create a magical atmosphere, but they also come with fire risks.

• Inspect string lights for frayed wires or broken bulbs before hanging them.

• Use LED lights, which stay cooler than traditional incandescent bulbs.

• Turn off all decorations before going to bed or leaving the house.

5. Be Smart with Open Fires

Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves can be a great source of heat, but they require careful use.

• Always use a fireguard to prevent sparks from escaping.

• Never burn wrapping paper, treated wood, or other inappropriate materials.

• Store firewood at a safe distance from the fireplace.

6. Test Your Smoke Alarms

A functioning smoke alarm can save lives by giving you an early warning in case of a fire.

• Test alarms monthly to ensure they’re working.

• Replace batteries at least once a year, or whenever you hear a low-battery beep.

• Consider installing interconnected alarms that sound throughout the house.

7. Plan for Emergencies

Even with all precautions in place, it’s crucial to have an emergency plan.

• Make sure everyone in your household knows how to escape in case of a fire.

• Keep escape routes clear of clutter.

• Practise your fire escape plan regularly.

8. Use Electric Blankets Safely

Electric blankets are a winter favourite but can pose a risk if not used properly.

• Check your blanket for wear and tear before use.

• Don’t fold or overheat the blanket while it’s on.

• Turn off the blanket before going to sleep.

9. Know Your Heating Oil or Gas Safety

If you use heating oil or gas, ensure your storage and systems are up to date and safe.

• Inspect oil tanks for leaks or damage.

• Have gas appliances checked annually by a registered Gas Safe engineer.

• Install a carbon monoxide detector to protect against invisible hazards.

Stay Warm and Safe This Winter

Fire safety doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. With these tips in mind, you can keep your home warm and cosy while protecting your family and property from potential fire risks.

At Elgar Plumbing Services, we care about your safety. Whether you need help servicing your boiler, checking your heating system, or upgrading your home, our expert team is here to help.

📞 Contact us today to book your next service!