GLOUCESTERSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) is offering advice on how residents can keep their homes safe during the cold weather. 

The fire service is warning people of the risks that indoor fires, portable heaters and candles can pose during the colder winter months. 

Key tips from GFRS include:

- Make sure you have working smoke alarms fitted

- Ensure you have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted

- Plan your escape route

- In the event of fire, get out, stay out and call 999

With energy prices rising, GFRS is asking people to be mindful of safety when using portable heaters, such as remembering to turn them off overnight and and keep them away from flammable objects. 

It is also advised to only use those suitable for indoor use, and to check their suitability if they’ve not been used for a while. 

Mark Preece, chief fire officer at GFRS, said: “Please follow these safety tips through the winter to avoid putting yourself and your loved ones at risk of fire in your home.

“If you are using a portable heater, check it is for indoor use and is safe to use.

"Only use appliances such as ovens, hobs and outdoor heaters for their intended purpose, not to keep a room warm, as this increases fire risk.”

Other advice to follow when using portable heaters includes:

- Don’t place them where they will block an escape route

- Plug electric heaters into a wall socket, not an extension lead – they can overheat and cause fires

- They must only be moved when they’ve been switched off and have cooled down

Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member with responsibility for the fire and rescue service, said: “This is a challenging time for everyone as we are all looking at ways to try to reduce our energy bills.

"However it’s really important that this doesn’t compromise our safety in the home so I would encourage everyone to follow the advice given by Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

“It could help to keep you and your family safe through the winter.”

Further advice can be found at www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk/Cost-of-living-Steps-to-stay-fire-safe.