26/11/2007 - Cumbrian festive fire safety campaign

Cumbrian firefighters are warning householders that the risk of fire increases over Christmas and New Year.

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to accidental fires in the home, which is why Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service is reminding people to take extra care over the festive season to ensure that their families and loved ones are protected.

Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service's community safety manager Brian Steadman, said: "Christmas is a time for having fun with family and friends, however it is also a time when extra fire hazards are introduced to the home such as fairy lights, candles and decorations. 

"This weekend many of us will be thinking about putting up our Christmas decorations at home, so we’re urging people to follow our simple 12 tips for the 12 days of Christmas:

* On the 1st day of Christmas - Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598). Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment (safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault).

* On the 2nd day of Christmas –Arrange a free home safety visit. Cumbrian firefighters and community safety officers can visit your home to check for any fire risks and install free working smoke detectors where required on each level of your home. Call 0800-358-4777 to request a visit.

* On the 3rd day of Christmas - Practice a fire escape plan. Make sure your family and visitors know what to do in an emergency, especially children. 

* On the 4th day of Christmas - Decorations can burn easily. Don't attach them to lights or heaters and ensure that any elderly relatives or neighbours follow the same advice.

* On the 5th day of Christmas –Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, taking special care with Christmas lights. Always switch off and unplug Christmas lights before you go to bed.

* On the 6th day of Christmas - Celebrate safely this Christmas and New Year. The risk of accidents 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 –Give your elderly relatives and neighbours a life-saving Christmas gift. Make sure that they have a working smoke detector.

* On the 9th day of Christmas - Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.

* On the 10th day of Christmas - Check the battery in your smoke detector and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.

* On the 11th day of Christmas - Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings. 

* On the 12th day of Christmas - Check on elderly relatives and neighbours - make sure they are fire safe. 

More information about fire safety can be found at http://www.cumbriafire.gov.uk/

ENDS

Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337