RESIDENTS are being urged to take care when warming their homes this winter.

The London Fire Brigade's fire safety expert Mick McGurran has advised residents to be careful with heating appliances and to make sure a smoke alarm is fitted and working.

Gas and space heaters should stand where they cannot be knocked over, and away from beds, furniture and furnishings.

Never try to move any portable heater while it is alight, and when changing a gas heater cylinder, try to do so in open air.

Residents with a chimney should have it swept first before using an open fire.

Always use a fire guard, and do not overload the grate or bank fires too high.