Fires in your chimney could spread to the rest of your house and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure chimneys and flues are swept regularly by a professional chimney sweep.
Follow these chimney safety tips:
- Ensure chimneys and flues are swept regularly by a professional chimney sweep;
- Between “sweeps” keep chimneys, flues and appliances clean and well maintained;
- Be careful when using open fires to keep warm. Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers;
- Never store the fuel next to the appliance so sparks do not set it alight;
- Ensure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house;
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
Look out for:
- a headache - this is the most common symptom
- feeling sick, dizzy, tired and confused
- being sick and having stomach pain
- shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
You should have a carbon monoxide alarm in every room where there is a fuel-burning appliance.
- Carbon monoxide alarms work by detecting carbon monoxide in the room.
- If your carbon monoxide detector is beeping you should act fast and get out of the property.
- Carbon monoxide detectors should only be used as a back-up precaution.
- If you are in a rented property, landlords are required by law to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties.
- Test your alarm regularly, at least once a month.
