Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service is promoting a range of simple advice and guidance as winter arrives.

smoke alarms

Please ensure that you have smoke alarms on every level of your home and that you test them weekly.

Portable Heaters

n Turn off portable heaters before going to bed;

n Keep the heater clean and well maintained following manufacturer’s instructions;

n Ventilate the room in which the heater is being used;

n Make sure that a permanent safety guard is fitted;

n If a heater is to be used in one place for a long time fix it securely to a floor or wall.

Contact Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service for a free Safe and Well visit on our Freephone number 0800 358 4777 or email hart@cumbria.gov.uk

Electrical Safety

n Don't overload plug sockets and regularly check for frayed or worn cables and wires;

n Unplug appliances when not in use;

n Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order;

n Check for British or European safety mark – check you are using the right fuse to prevent overloading;

n Charging devices - make sure that you are using the correct chargers. If you are using laptops, don’t put them on soft furnishings, beds and duvets as this increases the chance of them overheating and catching fire.

For more information visit www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/overloadingsockets

Chimney Fires

n Clean your chimney and flume regularly;

n Make sure embers are properly put out before you go to bed;

n Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers;

Candle Safety

It’s safer to use battery operated candles but if you’re using wax candles to brighten up your home, follow our safety advice:

n Always use a suitable holder when burning candles;

n Keep candles out of the reach of children and away from pets. Keep naked flame away from clothes and hair;

n Consider an extra smoke alarm in the rooms where you use candles;

n Extinguish candles before moving them or going to bed and don't let anything fall into the hot wax. Use a snuffer or spoon to put them out;

n Put them on a heat-resistant surface and be especially careful with night lights and tea lights, which get hot enough to melt plastic;

n Scented candles turn to liquid in order to release their fragrance, so always burn them in a suitable glass or metal container that can withstand the heat of the liquid.

Carbon Monoxide

Incorrectly installed, poorly maintained or poorly ventilated cooking appliances which burn carbon - containing fuels can give off CO – a poisonous gas which you can’t see, smell or taste. Make sure a carbon monoxide detector is fitted in your home.

Electric Blankets

n Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electrical blanket, even if it’s switched off;

n Unplug blankets before you get into bed;

n Store electrical blankets flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring;

n Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Tips for keeping warm and well

Cold weather can be bad for our health, especially for people aged 65 and older - as we age it takes longer to warm up, which raises the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. Heat your home to at least 18 C (65 F). You may prefer your main living room to be warmer. If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go to sleep. Eating regular meals will help keep your energy levels up during winter. Hot meals and drinks help keep you warm. Don’t delay in getting treatment for minor winter ailments like colds or sore throats. Visit your local pharmacist for advice on treatment before it gets worse. Contact your water and power suppliers to see if you can be on the priority services register, a service for older and disabled people. This is a free service that can provide extra support in case of a power cut.

For more information about how to stay warm and well in winter visit Age UK’s website www.ageuk.org.uk/winterprep or call 0800 587 0668

Financial help to heat your home

There are grants, benefits and other resources available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. It’s worthwhile claiming what you are entitled to.

The Simple Energy Advice line is always available to help with energy efficiency advice: 0800 444202

You may be entitled to receive cold weather payments. To find out more visit: www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment

To find out more about Winter Fuel Payments visit: www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment or call 0800 7310160