Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is supporting Chimney Fire Safety Week (1-8 September), which is part of the Government’s Fire Kills campaign, to call for homeowners to act responsibly and get their chimneys swept by an approved sweep.
This prevents chimney damage, and, in worse cases, household fires while lowering fuel costs and reducing harmful emissions and protecting the environment.
Sweeping your chimney twice a year and using a quality assured fuel is the key to preventing chimney fires.
Not only does this remove soot and tar deposits but also gives sweeps the opportunity to check for any problems with the appliance, chimney or liner keeping you and your family safe and warm this winter.
To keep you and your family safe from fire it is important to:
- Have your chimney swept regularly – depending on what fuel you burn, before the colder months set in and you begin to use your fire again. However, should a fire start, working smoke alarms can give you the early warning. A fire plan can also ensure your family escape in a fire.
- Have at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home and test them at least monthly.
- Importantly don’t keep this advice to yourself – pass it on. Is there anyone you know who may need your help in organising a sweep or testing their alarms?
For more information on maintaining your chimney and how can help with fire prevention, please visit: www.chimneyfiresafetyweek.co.uk.
Anyone who thinks they might qualify for a free Home Fire Safety visit can call the HWFRS Prevention team on 0800 032 1155.
People can complete a free online Home Fire Safety check at www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/