Firefighters warn of the dangers of Christmas!
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service are asking residents to take extra care over the Christmas period as the festivities begin.
Over the Christmas and New Year people spend more time at home, traditionally with a lot more guests and whilst people are relaxing with friends and family, everyday fire risks can increase.
Last year there were 34 house fires in Warwickshire over the Christmas period (December 06 to January 07). A number of which were caused by people being distracted, leaving cooking unattended.
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
* Don’t leave candles unattended
* Don’t be distracted when cooking, fire starts when your attention stops
* 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 leave fairy lights switched on when you go out or to bed
*Check the maximum amps that can be handled by the fuse in the plug
*Don’t let bulbs touch anything that can burn easily like paper or fabrics
*Keep Christmas decorations, cards and wrapping paper away from candles, open fires and heaters
*Make sure smokers put their cigarettes right out
*Take extra care after drinking alcohol
Area Risk Manager, Simon Ellershaw said:
“Christmas is a wonderful time of year and we don’t want to see anyone’s Christmas go up in flames. It is easy to become distracted or forget to turn off your Christmas tree lights off when popping to the shops, but it is essential that you check that all electrics are switched off and candles extinguished before going to be at night or leaving the house.
“In particular, I would especially, urge everyone to ensure that they have a working smoke alarm installed on each floor level in their home, so that your family can sleep safely!“
For more information on Fire Safety log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue or http://www.firekills.gov.uk