Click links to download The 12 Days of Christmas and Winter Fire Safety

12 December 2007

Christmas is a time to show your family and friends how much you care - so Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is urging people to look out for each other during the festive season and to protect their loved ones, young and old, from the risk of fire.

Nationally, the number of deaths from accidental house fires rises during the Christmas period, with children and elderly people particularly vulnerable.

Terry Ridgley, head of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s community safety team, said: “Christmas is a time for having fun with family and friends, but it is also a time when extra fire hazards are introduced to the home.

“These include decorations which can burn very easily, Christmas tree lights which haven't been used for a year, increased use of candles and lots more people than usual in your home.

“On the day itself, it’s not unknown for mum or dad to have a glass or two of wine while doing the cooking, and this can sometimes lead to extra risks in the kitchen.

“We’re urging people to follow some simple fire safety tips so that everyone can have a happy and safe holiday period.”

• Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598).
  
  
• Always use an RCD – a safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault - on outdoor electrical equipment.
  
  
• Arrange a Home Fire Risk Check. Fire officers from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service can come to your home to check for any fire risks and install free working smoke alarms on each level of your home.  Call 01296 744477 or email cs@bucksfire.gov.uk to request a check.
  
  
• Practise a fire escape plan. Make sure your family and visitors know what to do in an emergency, especially children.
  
  
• Decorations can burn easily. Don't attach them to lights or heaters and ensure that any elderly relatives or neighbours follow the same advice.
  
  
• Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, taking special care with Christmas lights. Always switch off and unplug Christmas lights before you go to bed.
  
  
• Celebrate safely this Christmas and New Year. The risk of accidents is greater after alcohol is consumed.
  
  
• Most fires start in the kitchen - never leave cooking unattended.
  
  
• Give your elderly relatives and neighbours a life-saving Christmas gift. Make sure that they have a working smoke alarm. If they are hard of hearing, vibrating alarms are also available. 
  
  
• Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.
  
  
• Check the battery in your smoke alarm and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.
  
  
• Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings.
  
  
• Check on elderly relatives and neighbours - make sure they are fire safe.
  

Two fire safety leaflets – The 12 Days of Christmas and Winter Fire Safety – are available to download here.