Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Truro Fire Station at 17/12/2002 11:30

PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION OF THE DANGERS OF CHRISTMAS – 11.30 AM ON TUESDAY THE 17TH DECEMBER AT TRURO FIRE STATION

Presents, parties, turkey and tinsel – these are the things that are on most people’s minds at Christmas time. However people should also spare a thought for the extra risks that the festive season brings.

Why do you need to think about fire safety when you just want to relax and enjoy yourself? Christmas is a time for celebration, but it can also leave you more vulnerable to fire. You are relaxed or distracted and there may be more people than usual in your home. Christmas trees, decorations on the tree, even the flaming Christmas pudding can increase the risk from fire in the home.

There are 174 fires a day and 40 people are killed in domestic fires during December and there are twice as many candle fires – which makes fire safety at Christmas more important than ever.

Senior Fire Safety Officer Jan Sturges explains, “Christmas is a wonderful time of year and it’s important to remember that you can still have a great time with friends and family and be safe. Most fires in the home can be easily avoided by following simple fire safety advice. And always make sure you have a working smoke alarm on each level in your home.”

So don’t turn a Merry Christmas into a tragic Christmas – here is a reminder of the twelve safety messages to help keep you celebrating safely:

· Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard and NEVER use candles on or near a Christmas tree
· Don’t leave candles unattended, always remove candle decorations before lighting and use suitable holders
· Excuses Kill – Check your smoke alarms are working and do not be tempted to use the batteries to power any Christmas presents
· Make sure all open fires and heaters are adequately guarded and that decorations cannot fall on them
· Last thing before bed extinguish all candles, empty ashtrays, check the kitchen and close doors
· Take extra care, especially in the kitchen, after drinking alcohol
· Do not overload electrical sockets. Keep cables tidy – avoid trip hazards
· Don’t be distracted when cooking – fires start when your attention stops
· Keep Christmas decorations away from candles and other naked flames
· Make sure smokers put their cigarettes right out
· Make your plan. Get out alive. Will everyone (including guests) know where door and window keys are kept?
· Spare a minute to check on elderly relatives and neighbours – are they as safe from fire as they could be?

Davinia Grist, P.R. and Publicity Officer adds: “Fire Safety Leaflets explaining what safety checks to make this Christmas are available from various public places such as doctors surgeries and stores selling Christmas decorations.