Urgent warning sent to anyone with a heater in their home

An urgent warning has been issued to anyone with heaters in their home this Christmas as they could potentially become a major hazard.

As the days get colder and the nights get longer, more and more people may be turning to portable heaters to give them an extra boost of warmth.

With the ongoing cost of living crisis, they can also be a cheaper way of heating smaller rooms, reducing the need to turn the central heating on.

However, there are important rules you must follow should you own an electric heater, the London Fire Bridage has said.

The force took to social media platform X to give people four handy tips on how to use their heaters safely and reduce the risk of fire.

Heaters must be kept away from furniture, clothing, and other combustible materials, and never used to dry clothes.

Unplug heaters when you leave the room or go to bed, make sure they’re in good working order, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The London Fire Brigade wrote on X: “Check your heater isn’t on a recall list. Keep heaters away from clothes, curtains & furniture – never use them to dry clothes.

“Always sit at least one metre away from a heater. Turn it off & allow it to cool first before moving it.”

There are other alternatives to stay snug this winter, such as purchasing top-notch blankets and duvets for warmth in the chilliest parts of the night.

Opting for oversized duvets or blankets can also provide extra material to double up on, preventing any limbs from sneaking out into the cold.

Electric blankets can also be a very effective method to warm you up, but they also come with their own risks. They must be stored flat, rolled up, or loosely folded.

Don’t use a wet electric blanket or try to dry it while it’s turned on, and replace it every 10 years.

it’s also recommended to fit smoke alarms in all rooms where a fire might start, and heat alarms in smoky or steamy rooms like the kitchen or bathroom.

You can get free, tailored fire safety advice for your home by using the London Fire Brigade’s online Home Fire Safety Checker.