Don't let the cold burn you

Everyone is trying to keep warm during the present cold snap. It's vital, however, that our need for heat doesn't harm ourselves or our property.

Did you know, for instance, that faulty electric blankets cause around 5,000 electrical fires in the UK every year?

Here are some potentially life and home-saving tips from Strathclyde Fire & Rescue to get you through the winter:

Gas/Open Fires/Electric Heaters

• Don't place heaters near curtains or furnishing, and never use them for drying clothes
• Do not sit too close to fires or heaters - your clothing or chair could catch fire
• Always use a fire guard with open fires, especially if you have young children, elderly or disabled people in the property. Preferably the fire guard should be in a fixed position
• Portable gas heaters should be checked for leaks and refilled outside in the open air
• Always place heaters in a position where they cannot be easily knocked over.
• Choose electric heaters that have automatic safety switches that turn off the unit if it is tipped over accidentally
• Check the power lead before plugging in the electric heater; if frayed, worn or broken, do not use, replace the heater
• Never use an extension lead with a portable heater

Electric Blankets - When buying your electric blanket you should:

• Buy it from a reliable source
• Check that it has a UK safety standard mark - BEAB Approved in white capital letters on a black background - this symbol means the blanket has been independently tested and meets the latest UK and European safety standards

Before you use your blanket make sure that it or its cord does not show any of the following danger signs:

• Fraying fabric
• Scorch marks
• Exposed elements
• Creasing or folding
• Soiling
• Damp patches
• Tie tapes damaged or missing
• Worn flex
• Loose connections
• An old BEAB safety mark - a round symbol. This means it is more than 10 years old.