Don’t wait for winter to ensure your gas appliances and chimneys are maintained and fire safe.
As summer draws to a close and households begin preparing for colder weather, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is encouraging residents to take steps now to ensure their chimneys, log burners and gas fires are safe to use ahead of the winter months.
Many chimneys and gas fires will have been unused for several months over the summer, making early autumn the ideal time to arrange maintenance, have chimneys swept and ensure gas appliances have been serviced before they are needed regularly again.
Every year, fire services attend incidents caused by chimneys that have become blocked by debris, bird nests or built-up soot, and poorly maintained gas appliances can pose significant risks if they are not operating correctly.
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is advising residents to:
- Have chimneys swept regularly by a qualified chimney sweep.
- Ensure gas fires and appliances are serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Check that carbon monoxide alarms are installed and tested regularly.
- Ensure smoke alarms are fitted on every level of the home and tested monthly.
- Look out for signs of damage to chimneys, flues and vents before lighting fires for the first time this season.
- Never burn unsuitable materials that can increase the risk of chimney fires.
Dave Lynch, Area Manager for Prevention and Protection at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: "Now is the perfect time for people to think about fire safety in their homes before they switch their heating back on.
“Taking action now by getting your chimney swept, servicing gas appliances and checking your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, can significantly reduce the likelihood of an incident when you start to need your heating or firesides.
"These quick and simple preventative measures that can make all the difference in keeping you, your family and your home safe throughout the colder months."
For more on home fire safety, including chimney safety, smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector advice visit the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue website: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/home-fire-safety