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Fire safety tips at Christmas

Last updated  18 December 2020

Last year many of us did not have the Christmas we had hoped for,  we want to ensure that we celebrate this year as safely as possible with our loved ones.

Cooking

  • Never leave children unattended in the kitchen when something is cooking on the hob. Keep matches and saucepan handles out of reach
  • Keep tea towels and oven gloves away from the cooker and hobs
  • Take care if wearing loose clothing that can easily catch fire
  • Don't get distracted while cooking
  • It is always best to double check the cooker is off when you have finished cooking
  • Make sure you leave any alcohol consumption until after the cooking is finished

Electrics

  • Switch off Christmas lights at night as part of your bedtime routine. If you have a real Christmas tree, water it to prevent it drying out
  • Make sure you do not overload electrical sockets, check your plugs and wires for signs of damage
  • Remember Christmas decorations can set alight easily, so don’t attach them to lights or heaters
  • Don’t leave electrical styling tools on beds or any other materials that could burn. Use purpose designed devices such as heat resistant mats and always keep them out of the reach of children
  • Remember to use any electrical goods, including new Christmas gadgets, safely

Smoking

  • If you are a smoker, remember to take extra care if you have been drinking. Alcohol can cause sleepiness.

Candles

  • Make sure candles aren’t placed in or near decorations and keep them out of the reach of children too, consider battery operated candles as a safer alternative.

Smoke alarms

  • Install some smoke alarms on every level of your home. Check them once a month as a working smoke alarm really does save lives.
  • Do something good this Christmas. Test the smoke alarms of someone in your Christmas bubble you know who may need help. This could be an elderly relative you want to keep safe.

 

 

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