With festive decorations, present wrapping and Christmas dinner to contend with, local people are being reminded not to let fire safety take a back seat during December.
Many people are unaware of the potential fire hazards and toxic threats that can lurk in fairy lights, candles and flammable Christmas decorations and national statistics show that December is the worst month of the year for accidental fires in the home, with 20 people a day either killed or injured across the country.
Although fire safety is important at every time of year, the extra distractions of Christmas make it especially important to be vigilant during the festive season.
Chief Fire Officer Jon Hall said: "Nobody means to have an accident but, sometimes, our excitement gets the better of us. Without meaning to, we can forget our own safety without realising it. Be happy and have fun, but please just have a mind to the messages we're issuing while you do."
Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: "Christmas can be a busy time for many people, but it can be a busy time for fire crews as well. We want to make sure that local people do everything they can to stay safe and have a very happy Christmas."
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service is offering the following advice:
• Ensure you have a working smoke alarm installed on all levels of your home. Test your alarms weekly and never remove batteries to power presents.
• Never leave cooking unattended and avoid cooking after drinking alcohol. The majority of fires start in the kitchen. Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.
• Never leave candles unattended. Keep decorations, cards and wrapping paper away from candles, fires, lights and heaters.
• Ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed or leave the house. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598).
• Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment (This safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store).
• Don't overload sockets - only one plug per socket. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers.
• Make sure cigarettes are extinguished properly and never smoke in bed.
• Check on older relatives and neighbours to ensure their safety.
• If you are going to light your fire, make sure you have the chimney swept.
• And finally, in the event of fire: get out, stay out and call 999.
• Never leave cooking unattended and avoid cooking after drinking alcohol. The majority of fires start in the kitchen. Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.
• Never leave candles unattended. Keep decorations, cards and wrapping paper away from candles, fires, lights and heaters.
• Ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed or leave the house. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598).
• Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment (This safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store).
• Don't overload sockets - only one plug per socket. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers.
• Make sure cigarettes are extinguished properly and never smoke in bed.
• Check on older relatives and neighbours to ensure their safety.
• If you are going to light your fire, make sure you have the chimney swept.
• And finally, in the event of fire: get out, stay out and call 999.
Have a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year, just make sure you stay safe too.
C & L Windows and Conservatories Ltd
48, Stroud Road
Gloucester
Gl1 5AJ
01452 526028
www.candlwindows.co.uk
Gloucester
Gl1 5AJ
01452 526028
www.candlwindows.co.uk
