Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is urging households to take precautions to prevent accidental fires in the home.

During the winter period last year, NIFRS attended 189 accidental house fires. Cooking and electricity supply were the biggest causes.

If a fire starts in the home, NIFRS advises against attempting to tackle it. People should exit the property immediately and call 999.

Disclaimer: This news story is based on the provided press release and aims to accurately convey the information within.

NIFRS Group Commander Paul Morrow said: "We are appealing to people to be aware of how to stay safe from potential fire hazards in your home throughout the winter. We understand households may be looking at ways to save money on energy bills and seek alternative methods of heating and lighting their homes. However this can lead to serious dangers.

"We recommend that you should not run white goods, such as washing machines, tumble dryers or dishwashers, or charge devices, when you're not at home or overnight whilst you're asleep.

"Popular methods of staying warm include open fires, portable heaters and electric blankets. If lighting a fire, hire a suitably trained person to service your chimney, flue or appliance before you use it, and keep heaters away from soft furnishings. If using electrical devices check for visible wires and scorch marks, and never overload sockets.

"When you're cooking, never consume alcohol or leave the oven unattended. Instead turn the cooker off and take the saucepans off the heat.

"Candles can make you feel relaxed and provide lighting in a room, however you should never leave them unattended and always remember to extinguish them if you think you'll fall asleep.

"It is vitally important to have working smoke alarms on each level of your home so you are alerted to a fire and can escape quickly. By having a carbon monoxide detector in any room where you're using gas or a fuel-burning appliance can protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't skip servicing boilers and gas appliances and remember to test all alarms regularly.

"During this time of year there are also risks outside of the home. Making simple preparations to your vehicles and considering weather and road conditions before you start your journey will make a difference when travelling.

"Finally, take time to check in with your older family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are doing all they can to stay safe from fire. For more guidance and to complete our online home fire safety check visit www.nifrs.org."

"As a Fire & Rescue Service we are here to support you so please put your safety first by following our winter advice and calling us to tackle fires."

Winter safety advice:

• Ensure you have a working smoke alarm fitted to each floor in your property, and test it so you know it works.

• Don't overload electrical plug sockets. Some indicators of overloaded sockets include scorch marks or blackness around the socket or plug, sparks coming from a plug or appliance, and the smell of hot plastic near the plug or socket.

• Never place candles soft furnishings, and don't leave them burning unattended.

• Keep candles, lighters and matches out of the reach of children.

• Don't leave cooking unattended, and don't cook if you are tired, have been drinking alcohol or have taken medication that could make you drowsy.

• Keep flammable items such as oven mitts, tea towels and cables away from the cooker top.

• Ensure your bedtime routine includes switching of electrics including portable heaters, and any extra charging leads. Extinguish candles and cigarettes, and close doors to protect your escape route.

• Remember the risk of accidents is greater after alcohol is consumed.

• Make a fire escape plan and discuss with your household, and anyone staying with you, and keep your escape route clear.