20/12/2005 - Fire safety advice for the festive season

In the build-up to Christmas and the New Year, fire safety may be the last thing on your mind, but, unfortunately, many people are injured or killed.

“We would like everyone to enjoy themselves over the Christmas period and into the New Year” said Chief Fire Officer, Bernard Dolan, “ and we would like them to enjoy the festivities in safety.”

He adds “ At this time of the year, we always see more fires in the home, especially living room and kitchen fires, and we urge people to take care.  People become more relaxed or distracted, especially following a few festive drinks and as the holiday mood takes over, their guard may slip.  But, by following the safety tips below, it will help to ensure that the only surprises this Christmas are pleasant ones”.

•INSTALL A SMOKE ALARM if you don’t already have one; 
•Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust; 
•Check that the fuses for electrical lights are the right type; 
•Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas –make sure they are fire safe. 
•Ensure Christmas lights and candles are not left unattended for long period or when you go to sleep; 
•Ensure light bulbs do not touch anything that can burn easily, like paper; 
•Make sure your family and visitors staying/visiting for the festive period know what to do in an emergency.  Make a fire escape plan;

•Dispose of all packaging safely; 
•Run electric flexes from tree lights and displays behind furniture instead of underneath carpets or mats; 
•Ensure that electrical sockets are not overloaded; 
•Place candles carefully –do not put them in or by a Christmas tree, plants or flowers and keep them away from curtains, furniture and electrical equipment;

•Do not put candles where they could be knocked over easily or in holders that may fall over; 
•Make sure candles are completely extinguished. 

For further information please contact your local Fire Safety Centre on: 

Barrow: 01229 433461 
Carlisle: 01228 521215 
Kendal: 01539 797666 
Workington: 01900 602543 
Whitehaven: 01946 692151