Christmas Safety Advice from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

This year will no doubt see a very different Christmas for many of us so, to help keep everyone as safe as possible, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people how to protect themselves and their families over the festive season.

Home and road safety are key topics for the Service at this time of year because our firefighters know just how many Christmases have been ruined by fires and road traffic collisions in the past.

The seasonal safety campaign will feature such safety information as Christmas fire hazards (tree lights, overloaded sockets, candle safety and wheelie bin fire safety), the importance of smoke alarms, winter driving and drink driving.

Advice on where to get help for loneliness and isolation and domestic abuse will also be shared.

Head of Prevention Nick Evans said: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year for most so the last thing anyone wants is to have firefighters turning up. To prevent an emergency visit, people need to think about what they would do if they had a fire in their home. Identifying any risks before the festivities is key and making an escape route plan so that everyone knows what to do if a fire occurs is a good idea.

“Get into the habit now of not leaving cooking unattended and switching off plugs, phone chargers, e-cigs etc and Christmas lights when no one is home or if the household is asleep. Make sure you clean any build-up of fat in your oven before the big day to prevent an oven fire and, if you are lighting a real fire, then you should have already had your chimney swept. It’s these simple measures that will keep you safe.”

Here’s some simple advice to stay safe in the home:

• Keep your ovens and grill pans clean and free from grease and fat build up and keep tea towels away from cooker hobs.

• Make sure your family and visitors have an escape plan

• Don't overload electrical sockets and switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed

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

• Most fires start in the kitchen - never leave cooking unattended

• If you smoke, make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished before you go to bed

• Check the battery in your smoke alarm - and remember to clean it and remove dust.

• Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of children. Never leave burning candles unattended

Nick added: “Also, at this time of year, it’s important to check that elderly relatives and neighbours are ok and that they don’t feel isolated this Christmas. Please make sure that they are safe but also that they have working smoke alarms fitted on every floor.

“Finally if you are going out in your vehicle then please remember to make time to de-ice the windows thoroughly and think about the road conditions and drive accordingly. If you follow this advice you’ll have a great and safe Christmas.”

 For more information on how to stay safe both at home and on the roads this Christmas please visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk