Residents asked to celebrate safely
Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service are asking residents to be aware of the potential fire risks in their home during the celebrations for Chinese New Year (3 February 2011).
Chinese New Year is a time when families get together to celebrate. As part of the celebrations people will be spending more time at home, cooking, entertaining and relaxing with family or friends. This means that fire risks are increased as people become easily distracted when cooking or when candles are left unattended.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Gary Phillips said:
“We’d like to wish everyone celebrating the festival a very happy New Year. The festivities are very special to the Chinese communities, as it is a period of good fortune and happiness. However, we are urging residents to celebrate safely by thinking about the potential risks in their home, before the celebrations begin.”
By taking just a few simple precautions you can greatly reduce the risks of having a fire in your home:
· Check that the smoke alarms in your home are working, check them on a weekly basis and do not be tempted to remove batteries to power toys or remote controls.
· Don’t leave candles unattended or on flammable surfaces. Keep flames from candles at a safe distance from curtains, furniture and decorations.
· 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
· Treat fireworks with great caution. Only buy fireworks marked with British Safety Standard 7114 and always read the instructions.
· If you are launching lanterns, please follow the safety guidelines to avoid any potential fire risks
· When cooking deep-fried food, dry it before you put it in the hot oil. If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave the pan to cool. Do not throw water over the pan if a fire starts. Get out and call the fire brigade out!
For more information on how to stay safe in the home or to apply for a free home fire safety check log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue