Cleveland is becoming an increasingly diverse community enjoying a wide range of
festivals and celebrations. The possibility of a fire is the last thing
on our minds but many events including Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah,
Chinese New Year and Eid ul-Fitr bring their own specific fire risks.
Safety precautions
- It’s
easy to forget safety when you’ve had a few drinks, so if celebrating
with alcohol take extra care. Never cook when you have been drinking
alcohol.
- If you are using decorative lights make sure they meet British Standards and are in good working order.
- Make sure decorative lights are turned off at night and when you go out.
- Make sure the plug for the decorative lights has the right size fuse (refer to the manufacturers instructions).
- Candles
are often used during celebrations and festivals – never leave them
burning unattended or close to curtains or other objects that could
catch fire.
- Keep decorations, wrapping paper and greetings cards away from decorative lights, candles, fireplaces and heaters.
- If you are using fireworks, always follow the firework code.
- If
you are having a party, or inviting guests to stay, make sure they know
how to escape if a fire starts. Tell your guests where you keep door
and window keys. If guests are smoking, ensure cigarettes are put out
carefully in a proper ash tray.
- Preparing food is a major part of
most festivals, but many fires start in the kitchen. Cooking should
never be left unattended and extra care should be taken when preparing
deep fried food.
- See related links for general
advice about protecting your home and fire safety during specific
festivals at the Fire Kills website.
