Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service would like to ensure everyone has a safe and happy Christmas this year, and ask that users read their 10 top tips for keeping them, their family, pets, and guests safe this festive season:
- Make sure users have a working smoke alarm which is correctly fitted and works. And NEVER take the batteries out to power presents!
- Ensure that everyone in the home knows what to do in a fire - in the event of fire users should get out, stay out and call 999.
- Kitchens are a fire hotspot, so take care while cooking festive fancies. Never leave cooking unattended or cook when drinking alcohol or feel tired or drowsy.
- Make sure users turn off their appliances when they aren’t in use, making sure not to put them on overnight or when they are not home and supervising them.
- Switch off fairy lights and unplug them before they go to bed or leave the house. Make sure they conform to the British Standard and never overload plug sockets or extension leads.
- Never place candles near the Christmas tree, decorations or furnishings and never leave a burning candle unattended. Decorations can burn easily, so don’t hang them near lights or heaters.
- Keep matches, lighters and candles out of the reach of children.
- Many fires start when people fall asleep while smoking, so make sure to extinguish cigarettes properly – and never smoke in bed.
- Never drink and drive. Find out more about I’m DES, to ensure users and their friends get home safely during the festivities.
- Stuck for Christmas gift ideas? Why not give friends and relatives a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm as a present this Christmas.
Little festive goodwill
Group Commander Kevin Napier, Head of Community Fire Safety commented: “We want everyone to make sure that fire safety is at the top of your to-do-lists this year, to ensure that you, your family are safe over the festive season.”
“We’d also encourage everyone to spread a little festive goodwill by checking on any elderly relatives, friends or neighbors who may be at a greater risk of fire in the home. While you’re visiting, why not ask if you can check their smoke alarms are working and look out for any potential trip hazards or other risks that could be averted in their homes.”
