Fire Safety During The Festive Season

A dramatic public information film to remind people to take extra care during Christmas will be launched on Friday 1st December by Communities and Local Government’s Fire Kills campaign.

The film begins with an idyllic seasonal scene from a row of Christmas cards on a mantelpiece, but we soon realise that within each setting of the card a very real tragedy is taking place. It’s 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.

You are 50% more likely to die in an accidental house fire during the Christmas period than at any other time of the year[1].

This festive season campaign is urging people to stay safe and protect their homes against fire by following the ‘Fire Kills’ top twelve tips for festive fire safety:

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

On the 2nd day of Christmas

- Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings. Don't leave them burning unattended.

On the 3rd day of Christmas

- Make sure your family and visitors staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency. Practice 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

- Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, unless they’re designed to stay on. Take special care with Christmas lights. Always switch off and unplug Christmas lights 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 cooking 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.

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.

On the 12th day of Christmas

- Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas - make sure they are fire safe.

Angela Smith, Minister for the Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We’ve launched this important public information film to remind people to take extra care at Christmas. It is a time for relaxing with friends and family and enjoying the festivities, it is also a time when fire risks increase as people are more likely to be distracted and their defences are down.”

Further information about fire safety can also be found at www.firekills.gov.uk