Warwickshire News Mine

The campaign gets on it’s way on Saturday 16 December at Henley in Arden fire station. Residents will be able to come along and visit Santa’s grotto between 10am and 1pm to find out about the campaign and get free fire safety advice which should help them stay to safe over the festive period.

In Warwickshire last Christmas, there were 52 house fires, two of which were so serious that lives were put at risk and families were left homeless over the Christmas period. The main cause of these incidents were saucepans / grills being left unattended when cooking and kitchen appliances such as dishwashers and microwaves being left on stand-by.

Area Risk Officer, Andy Thompson said:
“We are really pleased to complete the final phase of the launch with the help of Father Christmas. I am hoping that this will help us to reach people of all ages so that we can highlight the most common fire safety problems people face over the festive period.” 

By following a few simple steps a fire over the Christmas period could be avoided:

· Decorations can burn easily – don’t attach them to lights or heaters.  Fit and maintain smoke alarms on every level of your home.
· Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely.  The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.
· Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use a Residual Current Device on outdoor electrical equipment (safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off power).
· Switch off electrical items when not in use, unless they’re designed to stay on.
· Switch heaters off if you’re not in the room and also when you go to bed.
· Never leave cooking unattended – it’s very easy to be distracted when you are entertaining family or friends.

For further information on fire safety log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue
Warwickshire County Councils Well Being Fund for the Stratford District fund the ‘Good Feeling Gone’ campaign.

Link to WCC