Winter Fire Safety

Home fires occur more in the winter months than any other time of the year - more time is spent indoors and heaters or sources of heat are brought out to keep the chills at bay.  Homes are often decorated over the festive period with extra decorations laid out. 

Find more tips on winter fire safety here to keep you, your family and your home safe this winter. 

Winter Safety Tips 

Take time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this winter as they are at greater risk from fire, particularly if they suffer from ill-health or disability. 

Reaching out to our more vulnerable neighbours can make a big difference at this time of year. If you know of neighbours or anyone with mobility or health issues, checking in on them on a regular basis to ensure they have food and other essentials at home could be lifesaving – and would be very much appreciated. 

If you have concerns about any elderly neighbour or friend, help is to hand. Contact Age UK’s helpline on 0800 12 44 222. We are also here to help – please get in touch by phone on 0141 560 6000 or speak to your Housing Officer for help and advice.

Remember: Don’t use heaters to dry clothes Not only can this cause problems with damp, heaters can also cause fires when things are placed too close to them or left on top.

Candles

Candles and tea-lights can create a relaxing or special atmosphere in the home, used by people of all ages. They are also part of many religious and cultural celebrations - but are also a major cause of fires.

Keep safe by following these tips:

• Candles and incense sticks should always be held firmly in tight fitting holders and placed on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface where they won’t be knocked over.
• Never leave a lit tealight unattended – even for a few seconds – and always use proper holders.
• Keep candles and flames away from clothes, curtains, cushions, paper and other things that might catch fire.
• Keep candles and flames out of wind or draughts.
• Do not put them under shelves, they can heat up the shelf above and cause a fire.
• Ensure candles and other naked flames are out of reach of children and pets and never leave them alone with burning candles.
• Do not use them if you’ve been drinking alcohol or feel sleepy

Never leave candles unattended. Always put them out when you leave the room, go to bed, or leave the house.

Disposable barbeques

It may be tempting to try and save money by using disposable barbeques to cook or heat your home. 

Disposable barbeques can give off fumes for hours after you’ve used them.  They should never be used indoors or inside an enclosed space.

Carbon Monoxide 

Carbon monoxide has no smell or taste – it’s unlikely you would notice straight away if you were breathing it in.

What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Breathlessness
• Collapse
• Loss of consciousness

If you’re suffering from any of the symptoms and feel better when you leave the house, it could be CO poisoning. If you’re concerned you or someone in your household may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure you do the following:

• Get fresh air immediately.
• Open all doors and windows, switch off gas appliances and leave the house.
• Contact your GP, who can check and advise if you need treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you’re concerned there is immediate danger, call the gas emergency helpline on 0800 111 999.

Staying safe – Ice and Wintery Conditions

It’s always good to be prepared for anything winter can bring. Slips, trips and falls all increase over the winter months as we deal with everything from leaves on paths to less daylight, ice, snow or even

cracks in steps or paths from the cold weather. Here are a few quick tips to help keep you safe.

Preventing falls this winter

If it’s slippery or wet, remember:  

• Choose the right shoe. Shoes and boots need to fit properly and have soles with good traction/tread. 
• Leave early and avoid rushing. Falls are more likely to happen if you are in a hurry – allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
• If it’s slippery, walk like a penguin. Take short steps and walk as flatfooted as possible on icy or slippery ground.
• Keep your hands empty. Having free hands could help you keep your balance, so try to avoid carrying heavy items or keeping your hands in your pockets

Water Safety

In winter, people and pets can find themselves at risk on thin ice, tempted to play on the newly frozen surfaces. 

Remember, bodies of water or waterways in the UK rarely freeze to a depth which is safe to walk on. 

Do: 

• Keep back from slippery banks and wear footwear with a good grip.
• Stick to well-lit areas.
• Keep children and pets within reach and do not let them go onto ice.
• Keep company – if heading out for a winter walk, go with friends or family.

Don’t:

• Go out onto ice – even if it’s been particularly cold or the ice looks solid. 

You can find more information and advice on staying safe around the water in winter by visiting the Royal Life Saving Society’s website at https://www.rlss.org.uk/pages/category/winter-water-safety