Be Warm. Be Safe.

With Household costs such as rent, food and energy bills rising you may be looking at ways to save money and cheaper ways to heat your home this winter. Check out our top tips to make sure you are staying warm safely this winter and not putting your safety, or that of others at risk.

• Get chimneys swept and use a fireguard
• Keep heaters a safe distance away from other items and materials
• Store fuel, such as logs, away from the heat source
• Use appropriate fuel on open fires/in log burners. Look for the Woodsure “Ready to Burn” logo.
• Camping stoves, BBQs and outdoor heaters should only be used outdoors
• Keep a safe distance from heaters and open fires
• Ensure you have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Candles are a big fire risk, LED candles are much safer, or use a torch
• Electric heaters should be plugged into a wall socket – do not use extension leads as they can easily be overloaded and cause a fire
• Run dishwashers, washers and tumble dryers when you are awake, they can cause fires and at night you’ll have less time to react and escape

We have produced some slow cooker recipes cards as using slow cookers is a cost effective cooking method. Please avoid leaving your property if it is switched on though.

For information on how to save energy visit the Energy Saving Trust

Get further advice to help you stay safe in your home

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service offer a Safe and Well visit for those residents who qualify to ensure they are safe at home. For those that do not fit the criteria, a tailored help and advice service is offered instead.

Staffordshire residents who may be eligible for a Safe and Well visit are:

• Those aged 65+ living alone
• Those with mobility issues
• Those who have a history of house fires
• Those who smoke inside their property
• Households with children under the age of five

For Safe and Well advice and guidance contact the Contact Centre on 0800 0241 999.

Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can text a request or enquiry to the following telephone number - 07528 983 101.

For more information please visit our Safe and Well Service page.

Cost of living support

If you’re struggling financially or concerned about the future, getting help early can make a big difference.

Listed below are websites that can provide information, advice, and support to help you manage cost of living pressures.

• Help for Households - The gov.uk website contains information on the help available for households.
• Here to Help - Staffordshire County Council have launched a ‘Here to Help’ campaign. Their website contains advice and support on topics such as money and debt, energy bills, food and essentials, staying warm and staying well.
• Stronger Together - Stoke City Council have information on the range of support that is available to the community on their website. Their campaign is called Stronger Together.