Residents reminded to make their chimneys safe!
With summer drawing to a close, Chimney Fire Safety Week (21st – 27th September) provides a timely reminder to make sure that your chimney is ready for the winter months ahead.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS), the National Association of Chimney Sweeps and The Guild of Master Sweeps have joined forces to urge householders to ensure their chimney is safe and to have it swept by a registered chimney sweep.
Open fires not only warm up a home, but also create a unique relaxing ambience. With the numbers of people using open fires growing, WFRS have provided some top tips for safer chimneys:
Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers
Make sure embers are properly put out before you go to bed
Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained
Contact WFRS for a free Home Fire Safety Check and smoke alarms
Watch Manager Mike Franklin explains: “With the colder, winter months looming, people will begin to start using open fires and their chimneys again. In order to keep you and your family safe from fire, you need to take necessary steps, such as ensuring your chimney is swept regularly. I would also urge all householders to have a working smoke alarm in their home.”
Smokeless coals
At least once a year
Wood
Up to four times a year
Bituminous coal
Twice a year
Oil
Once a year
Gas
Once a year
Watch Manager Mike Franklin adds: “Latest statistics show that there are approximately 6,000 chimney fires a year in England, but most chimney fires are preventable.”
Martin P Glynn, the President of the National Association of Chimney Sweeps adds: “To heat your home safely, chimney sweeping is essential to prevent the horrors of chimney fires, which can destroy homes and can be fatal.”
Bob Russell from The Guild of Master Sweeps, adds: “Blocked and inefficient flues can kill – a clean chimney is a safer chimney.”