Firefighters highlight fire safety at Dickens Night
Firefighters from Atherstone are getting ready to join in some festive fun at the annual Dickens Night on Saturday the 25 November.
The evening festivities will begin at around 4.45pm with Santa’s procession through market square. Local people will then be able to walk around the square and enjoy rides, tombolas, puppet shows and market stalls. They will also be able to talk to local firefighters about Christmas fire safety and get top tips on how to stay safe over the festive period.
Station Manager, Sean Yeates said:
“This is expected to be a real community event for all of the family to enjoy and it’s a great opportunity for us to get out into the community to talk to people about the work that we do and get key fire safety messages across in a fun and interactive way. As well as being on hand to talk about Christmas fire safety we will also have a surprise for the younger children when Santa visits the smoke house, which will be based in market square.”
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 – 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
· Don’t let bulbs touch anything that can burn easily like paper or fabrics
· Don’t leave candles unattended
· Keep Christmas decorations, cards and wrapping paper away from candles, open fires and heaters