The winter season brings with it lots of extra expenses, added to the difficult economic times faced by the whole country, this might mean people struggle to heat their houses.
Using portable heaters, log fires and electric blankets to keep warm in one room may seem like a cheaper option, but it could end up costing you much more - fires caused by heating equipment alone more than doubled last December.
Remember - having working smoke alarms in your home is the only way you could buy vital time to get out During the winter months the risk of chimney or heater fires increases.
We want to help you stay safe and warm this winter, so please take a look at our winter safety tips.
Lots of helpful information can be found in the Firekills leaflet Fire Safety in Winter (PDF 760kb, opens in a new window)
Do you think that if there was a fire in your home the smell of smoke would wake you up?
Fiction – In a national survey nearly half (48 percent) thought they would be woken in a fire by the smell of smoke.
Fact - Gases and smoke from a fire can numb the senses and put you into a deeper sleep. Two or three breaths of toxic smoke can knock an adult unconscious, it can also kill a child in under a minute.
A smoke alarm will give you early warning if you have a fire and could give you the time to get out before this happens.
Find out more about the Fire Kills Toxic Smoke Campaign
Heater fires
In this cold weather people often use heaters to keep warm. Fires from heaters can cause injury and even death, fires occur when people sit too close to heaters, have them too near clothing and furniture, and leave heaters unattended or on at night. For safety tips and more information download the leaflet Heater Safety (PDF 82kb, opens in a new window)
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Chimney fires
Between 1 December 2008 and 6 January 2009 we attended 18 Chimney fires in the Avon area, with seven in just one week. We don't want the next one to be you.
Keep you chimney clean to help prevent fires, regular cleaning of your chimney or flues eliminates the build-up of soot and clears obstructions such as bird and animal nests, leaves and debris.
Using a vacuum cleaner alone is not sufficient to clean the chimney properly. Ensure your chimney flue is inspected at regular intervals to prevent fire breaking out of the chimney. Fireguards can prevent serious injury or death and spark guards can help prevent a serious fire in your property.
Download the leaflet Chimney Fires (PDF 513kb, opens in a new window) for more information.
 Avon Fire & Rescue Service offers free Home Fire Safety Visits, providing you with advice on all aspects of fire safety in the home, and if necessary fitting a smoke alarm for free.
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