Stay warm, stay safe. Check electric blankets for damage, use wood-burning stoves correctly, and maintain fire safety precautions. Regular maintenance and proper use can prevent accidents – protect your home and loved ones this winter.
Keeping warm is important, but so is staying safe – follow these safety tips below:
Electric Blankets
Electric blankets can be dangerous if they are old or in poor condition. Replace yours if:
- it is more than 10 years old
- it has a BEAB safety mark (it won’t comply with modern safety standards)
- it is worn or frayed
- the fabric has scorch marks
- the flex or tie tapes are damaged
- the electrical connection is loose or damaged
You should unplug your electric blanket before bed unless it has a thermostat for safe overnight use.
Wood-Burning Stoves
Wood-burning stoves and wood-burning boilers should use only the right quality of wood and need to be properly installed, maintained, and regularly serviced by a qualified and competent person.
If your wood burner is not burning correctly, contact the company or shop that sold it to you. Alternatively, contact the Association of British Solid Fuel Appliance Manufacturers for advice.
Follow these guidelines for safe use of wood-burning stoves and boilers:
- Place stoves and boilers on a fire-resistant base to avoid fire risks from extreme heat. Never place them directly on hardwood floors or carpets.
- Keep the firebox door closed during use to prevent burning fuel from escaping.
- Burn only seasoned wood with a moisture content of 20% or less to minimise tar deposits and resin build-up in the flue, which can ignite if not cleaned annually.
- Maintain a 150mm gap between the stove and combustible materials, and keep the area in front of the stove clear.
- Empty and check the ash can daily, ensuring ashes are cold before disposal. Wet them if necessary before discarding them.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector in the same room and test it regularly.
- Clean the flue every six months for wood-only use or annually for coal and wood mixes.
