Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 08/12/2004 14:34

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service calls for extra care to be taken over the Festive period

Fire and Rescue Services in the UK attend 167 accidental house fires a day during the month of December. During the month, such fires kill on average 44 people and injure over 1,135.

Over the Christmas and New Year period people spend more time at home, traditionally with a lot more guests, and whilst people are relaxing with friends and family, everyday fire risks increase. People are more likely to be distracted and therefore vulnerable to accidental fires.

Christmas trees, fairy lights, candles and drinking alcohol whilst cooking and smoking all pose fire risks during the festive period.

But by taking a few simple steps this Christmas fire risks can be reduced around the home and everybody can enjoy a happy and fire safe Christmas.

Ensure that you check the smoke alarms in your home are working, check them on a weekly basis and do not be tempted to remove batteries to power any Christmas presents

Make your plan. Get out alive ¡V plan your escape route for the event of fire and ensure all your guests know where the door and window keys are kept
Don't be distracted when cooking, fire starts when your attention stops

Don't leave fairy lights switched on when you go out or to bed

Check the maximum amps that can be handled by the fuse in the plug

If bulbs blow, replace them
Don't let bulbs touch anything that can burn easily like paper or fabrics

Don't leave candles unattended

Put candles in proper holders so that they cannot fall over

Keep Christmas decorations, cards and wrapping paper away from candles, open fires and heaters

Make sure smokers put their cigarettes right out

Take extra care after drinking alcohol

Davinia Grist from Cornwall County Fire Brigade says: "Christmas and New Year is a time when we can relax and enjoy being with friends and family. We all like fairy lights, decorations and candles - but they can all be potential fire hazards.
She cont: "But by taking just a few simple precautions you can reduce the risks for yourself and your family. In particular, I would especially urge everyone to ensure that they have a working smoke alarm installed on each floor level in their home'.

For more information on Fire Safety take a look at the www.firekills.gov.uk website.