Fire safety and the Cost of Living Crisis
Camping stoves, candles and electric heaters are growing in popularity as people turn to alternative sources of heat and light in a bid to save money on their energy bills. But using these can lead to fire safety risks.
We’re joining fire services across the country in urging people to take simple steps to protect themselves from accidental fires and carbon monoxide poisoning as they look to keep warm and cut energy use this winter.
The call comes following concerns from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) that the cost of living rise will mean people turn to alternative ways of heating and lighting their homes.
Curo is supporting NFCC’s Stay Fire Safe campaign which can be found by clicking this link.
The advice and tips here come from the National Fire Chiefs Council who provide expertise to fire services across the UK.
If you’re worried about being able to heat your home or cook your meals, please get in touch with our Customer Accounts Team – we’ll do all we can to help. Call 01225 366000 or email customeraccountshelp@curo-group.co.uk.
Click on the headings below for some tips to stay safe this winter:
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Heating safely
You might be tempted to turn off your central heating systems and instead use a portable heater in one room. However, it may be cheaper getting to know your heating system and setting it to the needs of your home. There’s advice on understanding your heating system here.
If using portable heaters – especially if you haven’t used them for a while – take a minute to check they are still in good working order and not subject to a product recall
Electric heaters should be plugged into a wall socket – do not use extension leads as they can easily be overloaded and cause a fire.
If you’re drying clothes on an airer, keep it well away from portable heaters. There’s a risk that clothes could slide off the airer and onto the heater causing a fire.
How are your loved ones heating their home? Please check on family, friends and vulnerable people who you think could be struggling to heat their home or are using new ways of keeping warm. If they’re a Curo resident, we can help. Alternatively, contact your local fire service.
Open fires and wood-burning stoves may be a cosy way to keep warm but please use the right fuel to avoid fire risk and toxic fumes.
Please don’t put off your annual Curo home safety check. We’ll check your gas appliances, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, plus lots of other safety-critical parts of your home. Look out for your appointment letter and please be in when we call.
If you’re a homeowner and are concerned about the cost of getting your gas appliances safety checked, you might be able to get a free check via your energy provider’s Priority Services Register.
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Candles
If you’re having to use candles for light make sure you put them in a suitable holder and away from materials that may catch fire such as curtains and other fabrics.
When using candles don’t forget how many you have lit. Never leave lit candles unattended and make sure they are all out completely at night or when you go out.
If you’re using candles more, you may have more lighters and matches to hand. Don’t forget to keep them out of reach of children.
Place lit candles out of reach of children and pets. Make sure they can’t be knocked over by children or pets.
Lit candles can easily set fire to loose clothing or hair. Remember if clothing should catch fire Stop, Drop and Roll.
Avoid using candles if you are feeling tired or have been drinking alcohol. It’s easy to fall asleep and leave them lit. They can easily start a fire.
Don’t move or carry lit candles. It’s much safer to use an LED candle or torch to light your way.
Using candles can increase fire risk. It much safer to look for brighter and safer alternatives. LED candles and lights, battery or wind-up torches are just some of the products that are safer to light your home.
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Cooking
It might be tempting to use a camping stove or barbecue indoors but remember these products must only be used outdoors. Indoors they are a carbon monoxide and fire risk.
Whether you have a gas or charcoal barbecue remember they must never be used indoors. Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Using fewer rooms to stay warm?
If you're using fewer rooms to save on heating make sure there’s space around heaters, open fires and candles to reduce the risk of a fire in your home.
It’s important to try and keep warm. When using gas or oil portable heaters and solid fuel heating you need to make sure rooms are well ventilated. This can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure you have working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms - test yours regularly.
If you’ve had to change the way you use your home to save on energy, you should review you escape routes in case of a fire. Do you still know the quickest route out and is the route and exits clear of clutter?
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Electricity
Unless you have a cheaper night-time tariff, electricity costs the same no matter what time of day or night you use it. Don’t run white goods or charge items if you are asleep thinking you will save money. If a fire happens you will have less time to react and escape.
Have you bought a plug-in device which claims to save you money on energy from an online marketplace or social media? You might have bought a dangerous device which won’t save you energy. Online marketplaces do not have to adhere to the same safety standard as high street retailers. Buy from websites of brands you trust.
Don’t have drinks or use a hot water bottle when using your electric blanket. Liquids and electricity don’t mix.