Click the link to download the Christmas fire safety leaflet – The 12 Days of Christmas

8 December 2008

Christmas dinner, wrapping presents and putting up the decorations – there's a lot to think about at this time of year. But one thing Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is urging people to put at the top of their Christmas lists is fire safety.

Although it's important all year round, the extra distractions at Christmas make it vital to be vigilant during the festive season.

Government figures show that in 2006 there were 3,530 accidental fires in England in December - more than any other month of the year.

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is reminding people to take extra care over the festive season to ensure that their families and loved ones are protected.

Assistant Chief Officer Bryan Dugdale said: “Christmas is a time for celebration, but it is also a time when extra fire hazards are introduced to your home such as fairy lights, candles and decorations.

“We are urging you to think about fire safety ahead of the Christmas period - following simple guidelines will make sure everyone is safe to enjoy the festivities.”

• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• If using your chimney for the first time this year, ensure it is swept properly, check there are no cracks in the chimney where sparks could escape and always use suitable fuel.
  
  
• Check on elderly relatives and neighbours - make sure they are fire safe.
  

A Christmas fire safety leaflet – The 12 Days of Christmas – is available to download here.

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service offers free home fire risk checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them. To find out more, ring 01296 744477, send an email to cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or fill in the online form.