South Wales’ Chief Fire Officer Andy Marles is urging people to make sure they have a free home fire safety check in 2009.

From April to December in 2008 five people lost their lives in accidental house fires in South Wales, and in 2008 Firefighters attended hundreds of accidental house fires.

The advantages of a home fire safety check far out-weigh the risks that are taken every day by householders, most of whom are largely unaware of some simple causes of serious fires at home.

Chief Fire Officer Marles said

"Just by picking up the phone and calling our freephone number, Firefighters from your local station will get back in touch with you and arrange a convenient time to visit your home. They can fit free smoke alarms and advise you on some of the simple changes you could make at home to help you and your family stay safe from the risks of fire.

It is vital that everyone has working smoke alarms, so even if you have got smoke alarms in your home, our Firefighters can make sure that they are positioned in the best places and are in good working order."

Anyone can call 0800 169 1234 and request a home fire safety check. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service can also supply and fit smoke detectors for people with hearing impairments.

In the meantime, and during the cold weather, people should consider the following safety pointers:

• Always use a fire guard to protect an open fire against flying sparks and hot embers and make sure embers are under control and properly put out before you go out or go to bed.
• Keep portable heaters away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes. Always unplug electric heaters when you go out and go to bed.
• Make sure that chimneys are regularly swept to avoid the build up of carbon deposits within that can easily ignite and create problems in the future.
• Electric blankets can help you keep warm during the cold nights, but fires can be devastating. Make sure your blanket is in good working order.
• Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off. 
• Unplug blankets before you get into bed, unless they have a thermostat control for safe all-night use. 
• Don't leave electric blankets folded as this damages the internal wiring. Store them flat or rolled up instead.