THE FESTIVE SEASON IS A TIME OF JOY....

"Christmas is a time of year when we often get caught up in the seasonal celebrations & fire safety is the last thing on our minds & brings a wide range of new fire hazards to our homes. Think about it - lots of guests, candles, extra decorations, people smoking & it's easy to be careless when you are tired or if you have been drinking, all the everyday fire risks become greater, but don't let fire safety stop you enjoying yourself, but instead know the risks & plan ahead".

"I am particularly concerned about candle fires. Candles are actually a growing cause of fire & have seen examples in books & shop displays advocating the use of lighted candles as Christmas tree decorations, it is obviously extremely dangerous & I would advise you never to do this". To ensure you have a safe & Happy Christmas I offer the following fire safety tips.

CANDLES

• NEVER use a lit candle as a Christmas tree decoration.


• Blow candles out before you leave a room.


• keep candles away from anything that can catch fire, like curtains, clothing & hair.


• Don't leave candles burning unattended or where children can touch them.


• Trim candlewicks to 1/4 inch each time before burning, long or crooked wicks cause uneven burning & dripping.


• Always use a candleholder designed for candle use. The holder should be heat resistant & large enough to contain any drips or melted wax.


• Keep burning candles away from draughts, vents & this will help prevent rapid, uneven burning, smoking & excessive dripping. Draughts can also blow lightweight curtains or paper into the flame where they could catch fire. Ceiling fans can cause such draughts.


• Don't put candles under shelves.


• Never move a lit candle.
  
  

CHRISTMAS TREES

• Check that your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Test your Christmas lights before putting them on to your tree. Replace sets of old lights, especially those that are not in perfect working condition.


• Natural Christmas trees are highly combustible, particularly as they dry out & should always be kept away from fires.


• As Christmas decorations are often made of combustible materials, never attach them to lights or heaters or place garlands immediately above or around fireplaces.


• Check the maximum amps that can be handled by the fuse in the plug of your Christmas lights.

FIREPLACES

• If you have an open fireplace but only tend to use it at this time of year, make sure that the chimney has been cleaned & swept.


• Never burn Christmas wrapping paper in your fireplace.

COOKING

• Take extra care in the kitchen & never leave cooking unattended on the hob or under the grill.


• The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

• Let your guests know where to find door & window keys.


• Look out for elderly people, children & anyone with problems getting around.


• Make sure exits are kept clear.


• Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished before going to bed & never empty ashtrays into waste bins.
  

FIREWORKS

• Only buy fireworks marked with British Safety Standard 7114.


• If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, store them in a metal box & read the instructions.


• Never go back to a lit firework & keep a bucket of water nearby.

Remember to check your smoke alarm & NEVER remove batteries from your smoke alarm to use in your children's Christmas toys or in the TV remote control.

"All it leaves me to say is, I wish you, your family & guests a very safe Christmas".