The Deparment of Communities and Local Government  are reminding families that fairy lights, candles, paper hats and decorations are all potential hazards.

A dramatic public information film “Fire Kills” is available to view online which reminds people to take extra care during Christmas time, as part of Communities and Local Government’s Fire Kills campaign. 

According to government information, 50% of people are  more likely to die in an accidental house fire at Christmas.

 
On the 1st day of Christmas – Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use a residual current device (safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off power) on outdoor electrical equipment.

On the 2nd day of Christmas – Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings.

On the 3rd day of Christmas – Make sure your family and visitors staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency. Make a fire escape plan.

On the 4th day of Christmas – Decorations can burn easily – Don’t attach them to lights or heaters.

On the 5th day of Christmas – Never overload electrical sockets. Take special care with Christmas lights. Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed.

On the 6th day of Christmas – Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.

On the 7th day of Christmas – Most fires start in the kitchen – never leave a cooker unattended.

On the 8th day of Christmas – If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.

On the 9th day of Christmas – Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished before going to bed.

On the 10th day of Christmas – Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.

On the 11th day of Christmas – Keep candles lighters and matches out of reach of children. Never leave burning candles unattended.

On the 12th day of Christmas – Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas – make sure they are fire safe.

A dramatic public information film is available to view online which reminds people to take extra care during Christmas time, as part of Communities and Local Government’s Fire Kills campaign.

The film is a serious reminder that many of the things we enjoy about Christmas, such as the fairy lights, candles, paper hats and decorations, can all be fire hazards when proper care is not taken.

Related Links:
www.communities.gov.uk
www.firekills.gov.uk

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