Old heating appliances can turn into killers, Dorset's fire chief warned today.

Martin Chapman appealed to homeowners to have their appliances checked as the weather turns colder.

He added: "Last winter four people died in the county, so I am reminding people to take precautions with their appliances because they need regular maintenance and proper care to avoid becoming dangerous."

He said electric heaters must be fitted with the right fuse, which should be stated in the manufacturer's guide.

The guard must prevent children or clothes coming into contact with the heat source and cables should not be frayed or damaged. They should not be laid under rugs or carpets where they can be walked on and damaged.

Mr Chapman said: "Don't trail the leads across the floor where someone may trip and pull over the fire at the same time. If you find any damage or aren't sure about the fuse or wiring, get a qualified electrician's advice.

"If you have central heating ensure the boiler is regularly serviced while chimneys used for open fires need regular sweeping to prevent a build-up of soot which can easily catch light and may spread inside the roof.

"Paraffin heaters also need to be thoroughly cleaned and the wick checked and trimmed. Be very careful when filling and do it in the open air to avoid a build-up of fumes.

"Once lit, don't move the heater or top up the paraffin. Wipe up spills and change clothes if they become soiled with fuel. Be careful to let fumes escape safely from wiping cloths."

He added that portable gas heaters should be periodically checked by a qualified gas engineer. If a gas leak is detected, all naked lights and cigarettes should be extinguished, and the cylinder turned off at the main valve and taken outside. The heater should be serviced and repaired.

Cylinders should be changed in the open air if possible and spare cylinders should be stored outside, protected from frost and direct sunlight.

All portable heaters should always be secured in position to prevent them accidentally being knocked over when in use.

Always use a fireguard and never leave a heater unattended, especially when there are children about. A child's skin is very sensitive to heat and children should not be left in a room with an unguarded fire.

Mr Chapman added: "If a fire starts while you are asleep, the effects of the smoke could mean that you would never know a thing about it, unless of course, you have a smoke alarm which we would strongly recommend."