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Don’t let fire ruin festive cheer this Christmas

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Xmas safety campaign header

Christmas dinner, wrapping presents, decorating your home – there's lots to think about this Christmas. Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) and the Fire Kills campaign are urging Herefordshire and Worcestershire residents to put fire safety at the top of their Christmas lists this year.

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 HWFRS is asking people to take extra care over the festive season to ensure that their families and loved ones are protected from fire.

Group Commander Mick Cadman, Community Risk says: "Christmas is a time for festive cheer with family and friends. But fairy lights, candles and decorations mean it is also a time to take extra care to keep our loved ones safe from fire".

He continued "We're encouraging people to think about fire safety ahead of and during the Christmas period to avoid the risk of their Christmas being ruined. Ensure your Christmas decorations and lights conform to British Standards, that candles are put in suitable holders and are kept away from curtains, and as we remind people all year round, never leave cooking unattended. During the colder weather, take care when using portable heaters or open fires to keep warm. Taking a little extra care and following these simple tips will ensure everyone is safe to enjoy the festivities".

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

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 weekly and never remove batteries!

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 away from decorations, cards and wrapping paper, fires, lights and heaters.

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.

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.

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

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.

Do something good this Christmas. Test the smoke alarms of someone you know who may need help such as an older relative or neighbour to ensure their safety as they are at greater risk from fire.

Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire – in the event of fire you should get out, stay out and call 999

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