[18 December 2007]

Electric heater safety

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is offering fire safety advice to ensure that electric heaters are used properly this winter. Now that the weather has turned colder the use of electric heaters is likely to increase. By following some simple guidelines, make sure that you and your family stay safe this Christmas.

Electric heaters do not have an open flame but can get hot enough to ignite nearby combustibles such as fabric, paper, clothing, furniture and flammable liquids. It is important that they are switched off when you are not in the room and when you go to bed, and that they are always positioned with their back against a wall so that the front of the heater is facing forward. Never use heaters to dry clothes and make sure that they are not placed near any curtains or furnishings.

Gas and paraffin heaters should only be used in well-ventilated areas. They consume oxygen and can be extremely dangerous if used in an inadequately ventilated room. It is also important to make sure that air vents on heaters are never covered.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service wish you a safe and happy Christmas. For more information about home fire safety contact the Community Safety Team on 0800 1777069.