Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 06/12/2005 17:28

Christmas is a time for family, friends and celebrations. A time when people get together, relax and enjoy the holidays. However, we are at higher risk at this time of year with more than *11% of all accidental dwelling fire deaths occurring in December.

During the Christmas period we spend more time at home, traditionally with a lot more guests, and whilst we are relaxing with friends and family, everyday fire risks get bigger. We are more likely to be distracted and therefore vulnerable to accidental fires.

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

By taking a few simple steps this Christmas you can minimise the risks around your home and enjoy a happy and safe Christmas:

• Ensure 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 escape plan. Get out alive – plan your escape route for the event of fire and ensure all your family and 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;

• Never overload sockets, only have one plug in each socket and turn off electrical appliances when they are not being used;

• If bulbs blow, replace them. Don’t let bulbs touch anything that can burn easily like paper or fabrics;

• Don’t leave candles unattended and make sure they are in proper holders so they cannot fall over;

• Take time to check on older relatives or neighbours, make sure they are fire safe;

• 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, Public Relations Officer said: “Christmas is the time of year where family and friends get together to celebrate. We don’t want to dampen spirits, but we do want to raise awareness of the danger and destruction an overloaded socket or an unattended candle can cause. By following these simple tips hopefully we can all enjoy a peaceful and fire safe Christmas.”

The Fire Kills campaign is supported by the Fire and Rescue Service in England and Wales and the Partners in Fire Prevention: EI Electronics, Energizer, esure, Help the Aged, Homebase, Lloyds Pharmacy and Woolworths. Further information on fire safety can be found at: www.firekills.gov.uk