Dec 19, 20163 min read

Don’t Let Fire Ruin Festive Cheer this Christmas

Christmas dinner, wrapping presents, decorating your home – there’s lots to think about this Christmas.

But one thing Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and Fire Kills are urging Merseyside residents to put top of their Christmas lists this year is fire safety.

While fire safety is important throughout the year, the extra distractions of Christmas make it especially important to be vigilant during the festive season.

This is why Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is asking people to take extra care over the festive season to ensure that their families and loved ones are protected from fire

Watch Manager Phil Byrne said: “Christmas is a time for festive cheer with family and friends. But fairy lights, candles and decorations means it is also a time to take extra care to keep our loved ones safe from fire.

“To ensure you have the merriest of Christmases, keep fire safety at the top of your list.

“Ensure you place candles in suitable holders and away from curtains, never leave cooking unattended and, of course, test your smoke alarms.

“The colder weather brings its own menaces too. Take care when using portable heaters or open fires to keep warm.”

From everyone at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service we wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas.

Don’t Let Fire Ruin Festive Cheer this Christmas

Christmas dinner, wrapping presents, decorating your home – there’s lots to think about this Christmas.

But one thing Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and Fire Kills are urging Merseyside residents to put top of their Christmas lists this year is fire safety.

While fire safety is important throughout the year, the extra distractions of Christmas make it especially important to be vigilant during the festive season.

This is why Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is asking people to take extra care over the festive season to ensure that their families and loved ones are protected from fire.

“To ensure you have the merriest of Christmases, keep fire safety at the top of your list.

“Ensure you place candles in suitable holders and away from curtains, never leave cooking unattended and, of course, test your smoke alarms.

“The colder weather brings its own menaces too. Take care when using portable heaters or open fires to keep warm.”

From everyone at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service we wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas.

Christmas fire safety tips

Here are some simple tips to help you and your family enjoy the joys Christmas safely:

Never leave cooking unattended. The majority of fires start in the kitchen so this is a high risk area. Many of us enjoy a merry tipple over the festive season but be sure to avoid cooking whilst under the influence of alcohol. Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.

Never leave burning candles unattended. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets, and away from decorations, cards and wrapping paper, fires, lights and heaters.

Never use heaters to dry clothes. Heaters can start fires when things are replaced too close to them. Keep them well away from curtains, clothing and furniture.

Don’t overload sockets. Ensure only one plug per socket. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers.

Ensure you have working smoke alarms installed on all levels of your home. A working alarm can give you the vital time needed to escape in a fire. Test your smoke alarms regularly and never remove batteries.

Put your cigarette out, right out. Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished and take care when under the influence of alcohol or tired. It’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and set furniture alight.

Ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed, or leave the house. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598) and are in good working order before use.

Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment. This safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store.

For more information and to support the campaign visit the Fire Kills Facebook page www.facebook.com/firekills

Communications Officer: Sophie Corless 0151 296 4412 Mob: 07764 804 578 E-mail: SophieCorless@merseyfire.gov.uk

Corporate Communications, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, Bridle Road, Bootle, Merseyside L30 4YD.