Safely heating your home
With the cost of energy bills rising and affecting us all, some people are turning to alternative ways to heat their homes to try and save money, however this could be unsafe.
Why are portable heaters a concern?
The London Fire Brigade says there are many reasons fires start, but fires involving the mis-use of portable heaters seem to have a particularly high fatality rate. This might be because of the circumstances they start in:
- fires typically start when bedding, blankets or clothes are placed on or too close to heaters
- people with mobility issues are especially at risk of tripping or falling onto a heater – placing them away from the main walkways with no trailing cables will reduce the trip hazard.
- some kinds of heaters also present a carbon monoxide risk which can be fatal. It can make you drowsy and less able to escape. That's why it's so important to always fit a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with solid fuel, gas or paraffin heaters.
Gas and paraffin heaters can be dangerous and we strongly advise against using them in your home. Oil filled electric radiators are a safer alternative to portable space heaters if you feel the need for additional heating, but it is important to check that they are working correctly and safe to use.
It is important that you don’t bring outdoor heaters inside the home as they are not designed for this and are an extreme fire hazard. It may also be tempting to try the latest internet craze on how to heat your home cheaply but remember that these also pose extreme risk.
Keep fire safe with portable heaters
If you are going to use a portable heater you should always:
- use your heater on a flat surface
- give it some space - keep it at least one metre away from anything flammable
- buy brand new heaters from a trustworthy retailer, and if possible, buy one with a trip switch (this means it will switch off if knocked over)
- register the heater when you purchase it, so you’ll be made aware of any product recalls or safety information that might get released down the line.
You should never:
- use any heaters that are faulty, or have broken or damaged wiring
- use your heater to dry your washing
- cover your heater.
What to do if you are worried about energy bills
If you are worried about your paying your energy bills, your energy supplier can offer support, you just need to get in touch with them and there are other grants and benefits available too.
Click here to visit our Money Help and Advice page where we have collated lots of resources, information and tips to support you. This includes what help we can offer, including our Household Support Fund, the support the government are offering and also details of other charities and organisations that may be able to help depending on your situation.