Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service - Making your home safe

Episode 1: Autumn home safety messages

Chimney and open fire safety

- If you have a wood burner or open fire, book in a chimney sweep to clear out the flue of soot from last year.

- Ensure the hearth surrounding your chimney is clean and clear of ornaments and logs

- Make sure your logs are completely dry before burning them. Using damp logs leaves creosote in your chimney, this increases your risk of chimney fires.

- Don't dry clothes directly in front of the fire

- Don't leave a burning fire unattended

Electric heaters

- If you use an electric heater, firstly ensure it is connected at the wall or on a flat extension socket, not a cube-shaped extension

- Keep the heater away from soft furnishings

- Don't drape clothes over the heater

- Don't leave the heater unattended

Carbon monoxide alarms

- Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas that is sometimes emitted from gas appliances such as cookers and boilers or from fireplaces

- To reduce this risk, position a carbon monoxide alarm near your boiler and your gas or open fire.

- Ensure your home is well ventilated and service your appliances regularly

- Empty your fires or stoves of ash regularly

- It is known as the 'silent killer' Symptoms include nausea and vomiting, headaches, dizziness and loss of consciousness

- If your carbon monoxide detector alarms and you are suffering from these symptoms call 999. If you are not experiencing these symptoms please contact the emergency gas line on 0800 111 999.

Don't forget

- Test your smoke alarms every week for test-it Tuesday

- In the event of a fire…Get out, stay out, call 999

Further advice & to request a home safety visit from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service

- Call 03001231448

- Or, you can - click "request a home fire safety visit" from our website home page

www.norfolk.gov.uk/fire

Alternatively, if you are a Suffolk resident

- Call 01473 260588

- Or, visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/suffolk-fire-and-rescue-service