A timely reminder on fire safety at Christmas

Hannah Tomkins of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service  has sent us this timely reminder of fire safety behaviour at Christmas time.

Christmas is a time of fun and frivolity – but it’s also a time of year when the risk of fire is far greater.  Here are 12 top tips for ho-ho-home safety from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue to ensure you stay safe this Christmas!

• Check your Christmas lights are in good working order and conform to the British Safety Standard. Never overload electrical sockets.
• Always switch off Christmas lights before going to bed or leaving the property.
• Never place candles near your Christmas tree, decorations or furnishings – and never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Decorations can burn easily – so don’t hang them near lights or heaters.
• Keep matches, lighters and candles out of the reach of children.
• If you’re having a few festive drinks, take extra care in the kitchen.
• Never leave your Christmas dinner cooking unattended and make sure you switch off the oven and hob when the meal is done.
• Make sure any guests know what to do in the event of an emergency – do they know where door/window keys are kept and have you shown them the escape route?
• Many fires start when people fall asleep while smoking, so make sure you extinguish cigarettes properly – and never smoke in bed.
• If you’re planning on celebrating with fireworks, make sure you follow the instructions.
• Never remove the batteries from your smoke alarm to power a new Christmas toy.
• Make sure you test your smoke alarm every week – and why not spread a little festive goodwill by checking on any elderly relatives, friends or neighbours as well.