WINTER warnings have been issued by fire officers expecting to see a much busier period during the coming months. But if you take a few simple precautions it will make sure that you and your family are perfectly safe. Senior Divisional Officer, Paul Bower

WINTER warnings have been issued by fire officers expecting to see a much busier period during the coming months.

But if you take a few simple precautions it will make sure that you and your family are perfectly safe.

Senior Divisional Officer, Paul Bowers, said: "As a fire service we see a sharp rise in the number of incidents we attend during the winter months, particularly to fires in chimney crests and those involving candles.

"At this time of year people light their fires for the first time in months, electric blankets are taken out of storage and portable heaters come out for the first time since last year and all of these can be a serious hazard.

"But by following a few simple safety tips you can make sure that your homes is as safe as it can be throughout the winter."

The advice is that candles should never be left unattended and should always be put out before you go to sleep.

All candles should be stood straight up in a proper holder, or in the case of scented candles which turn to liquid a bowl.

No candle should ever be stood on a flammable surface, they should always be burned on a heat proof surface and always extinguished before they burn into the holder.

It is also important to remember that all candles should be kept away from windows, curtains, children and pets and that night lights can melt plastic surfaces such as the tops of TV or the side of a bath tub.