Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service is issuing safety advice to people who use electric heaters.

They have issued a set of guidelines which can help people stay safe when using them and reduce the risk of injury/and or fire.

Their advice is:

  • Keep electric heaters at least 1 metre from people, furniture and items such as blankets, cushions and newspapers.
  • Place your heater on a solid surface to keep it stable.
  • Never use your heater to dry clothes.
  • Plug heaters directly into a mains supply. Do not use block adaptors or extension leads.
  • Stow cables safely to avoid tripping over them.
  • Emollient skin creams are highly flammable and can absorb into clothing and surfaces as well as your skin. Stay 1m from your heater at all times.
  • Check your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors regularly to make sure they are working.

For fire safety advice and to request a free home fire safety visit, go to

www.norfolk.gov.uk/fire or call 0300 123 1669

You can also download a leaflet with more information here