Stay warm and safe this Christmas in Wiltshire with these tips

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue have listed some tips on how to stay safe and warm over the Christmas period. 

As the nights get colder we're all looking to stay warm and cosy but Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service say this poses a fire hazard in the home. 

Watch manager Neil Chamberlain of Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "As it gets colder and darker, it's inevitable that people will spend more time indoors staying as warm as possible. Using additional heating is understandable, but this may bring and increased risk of fire into the home."

Tips on how to stay warm and safe this Christmas

•    If you have an open fire, use a fire guard to avoid stray sparks and hot embers making contact with carpet or people. Keep all items at a safe distance from an open fire.

•    Make sure a fire is completely extinguished before going to bed. The smallest of spark can cause a fire.

•    Portable heaters should be placed away from fabrics and walls when they are on.

•    Electric heaters take a while to cool down. Unplug the heaters and place them away from children.

Electric blanket have become a favourite item in the house during the winter however around 440 of 1,000 reports of fire have occurred by an electric blanket.

•    Avoid using a hot water bottle with an electric blanket even if it is off. 

•    Turn off an electric blanket when going to sleep.

•    Do not fold electric blankets as this can damage the wiring inside. Roll it up or lay flat in a safe place.

"Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is here to help and offer advice. If you are in doubt over any fire safety issues, please do get in touch- and always remember to test your smoke detector every week, as working smoke detector save lives," Neil Chamberlain added. 

For more information about Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service visit their website: www.wiltsfire.gov.uk.