An unattended pan catches fire

STAND by your pan and never leave cooking unattended!

That is the message from Cleveland Fire Brigade during Kitchen Safety Week (February 20-26).

Figures show that over the last three years (2009-2011), over half of accidental house fires in Cleveland began in the kitchen – 47% of which were caused by people leaving cooking unattended.

The Brigade is urging people to take pans off the heat and turn off the hob and/or grill if they have to leave the kitchen.

Les Jones, Head of Community Safety with the Brigade, said “The figures speak for themselves – in the past three years six people died as a result of kitchen fires and a further 128 were injured.

“Nearly half of the kitchen fires were caused by people leaving their cooking unattended. A further 17% were the result of using old-fashioned chip pans.

“Statistics show that the kitchen really is the biggest fire risk in the home – but by doing certain things, residents can help protect themselves and their home. This advice is easy to follow and could save lives.”

The key safety messages are:

• Stand by your pan – take pans off the heat and turn off the hob and/or grill if you have to leave the kitchen while cooking
• Keep your cooker and grill pan clean – burnt food and fat causes fires
• Chuck out your chip pan – it could save your life
• Don’t drink and fry – order a takeaway or eat cold food if drinking alcohol
• Maintain electrical kitchen appliances and keep away from water

As part of the campaign, firefighters from Cleveland Fire Brigade and volunteers from the Cleveland Fire Support Network will be visiting colleges throughout the region to deliver this advice and carry out chip pan demonstrations.

Throughout the week there will also be leaflets handed out, radio advertising, competitions, the use of social media and an interactive kitchen safety house to help spread key safety messages.

To help keep you and your family safe from fire, the Brigade provides free Home Fire Safety Visits and will fit smoke alarms if needed. Call 01429 874063 to arrange a visit to your home and you will receive specific fire safety advice for you and your family.

For further safety information and news about the Brigade, join us on Facebook or Twitter.

Click on the house to find out more

A MAJOR campaign will be held across the Cleveland area next week (February 20-26) to promote kitchen safety.

Figures released by Cleveland Fire Brigade show that over the last three years (2009 to 2011) there were 614 accidental house fires in Cleveland, 333 ( 52%) of which started in the kitchen.

Over the same period, six people in Cleveland died as a result of kitchen-related fires in the home and a further 128 were injured.

Kitchen Safety Week will be launched at the new Hartlepool College of Further Education on Monday 20 February when fire chiefs will pass on key kitchen safety tips to students.

Outside the College main entrance, firefighters will be carrying out chip pan demonstrations to highlight the dangers, while Phil Lancaster, the Brigade’s Director of Community Protection will judge a student cookery competition.

Also, a Home safety DVD will be beamed throughout the College on large television screens and volunteers from the Cleveland Fire Support Network will be giving out free advice and information.

Similar events are being held throughout the week at colleges in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Redcar and Cleveland, as well as Teesside University.

Phil Lancaster said: “We have decided to focus ‘Kitchen Safety Week’ campaign around local colleges because this is a phase in student’s lives when they will start spending more time in the kitchen preparing and cooking meals and it’s really important to get into safe cooking habits as early as possible.

“A key part of our fire prevention work is about identifying people who are at risk and giving them the right advice and support.

“The statistics are very clear. Over half of house fires start in the kitchen and of these fires almost two-thirds are caused by people leaving cooking unattended or using old-fashioned chip pans. “This demonstrates that the kitchen is the biggest fire risk in the home and during the week we’ll be involved in a number of initiatives to help people stay safe.”

As part of the week-long campaign there will also be leaflets, radio advertising, competitions, the use of social media and an interactive kitchen safety house to help spread key safety messages.

To help keep you and your family safe from fire, the Brigade provides free Home Fire Safety Visits and will fit smoke alarms if needed. Call 01429 874063 to arrange a visit to your home and you will receive specific fire safety advice for you and your family.

For further safety information and news about the Brigade, join us on Facebook or Twitter.

The advice is being issued by Cleveland Fire Brigade in partnership with the Electrical Safety Council and Fire Kills as part of Electrical Safety Week from 23^rd to 29^th January.

Nationally, half of all deaths caused by fires in the home happen between 10pm and 8am, when many people are asleep, and some of those fatalities are caused by people forgetting to switch off electrical appliances when they go to bed.

Les Jones, Head of Community Safety for Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “Many people leave electrical equipment on when they go to bed when they do not need to and tragically in some cases this can cause fires.

“Apart from electrical appliances, other things such as candles and cigarettes can also cause problems at night if they are not dealt with safely. We strongly advise people to follow our simple tips to make sure they have a safe night’s sleep.”

The bedtime checklist is:

1. Switch off and unplug electrical equipment – only leave on appliances that are designed to be left on, like the fridge or your DVD recorder.

2. Check your cooker – make sure the grill, hobs and oven are all turned off.

3. Don’t leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher on. Their high speed of operation, friction and motors mean they can be a fire risk.

4. Turn heaters off and put a guard in front of an open fire.

5. Turn off your electric blanket – unless you are absolutely sure it can be left on safely, for example if it has a thermostat.

6. If you use candles to brighten your home, check that they are completely out – they can go on smouldering and start a fire. Never leave one burning when you go to sleep.

7. If you smoke cigarettes or a pipe, make sure they are totally extinguished, wetting them if need be. Never smoke in bed.

8. Close all doors – this can slow down the spread of a fire.

9. Check your escape route – it should be clear of obstacles. Make sure everyone knows where the door keys are.

For more advice on your bedtime safety routine click here. You can also follow us on Twitter or Facebook for more safety advice and news.

Remember we offer all residents a free Home Fire Safety Visit, in which firefighters will come to your home and give valuable safety advice and help make an escape plan which will be tailored to you and your family’s needs. Free smoke alarms will be supplied and fitted if needed. Call us on 01429 874063 to arrange a visit at your convenience.

That’s the warning from Cleveland Fire Brigade as part of Electrical Safety Week from 23rd to 29th January.

Over the past three years, there have been 23 fires throughout the area involving tumble dryers, including four in 2011.

The Brigade has joined forces with Government fire safety campaign Fire Kills and the Electrical Safety Council to issue some simple guidelines to warn people of the dangers of not using tumble dryers and other kitchen appliances properly.

Tumble dryers, washing machines and dish washers have powerful motors with fast moving parts that get very hot. If users don’t clean and maintain their machines regularly and properly, excess fluff or lint can build up over time and catch fire.

Les Jones, Head of Community Safety with Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “When people think of a typical house fire, tumble dryers may not immediately come to mind. However, such powerful machines can have potentially dangerous consequences if not looked after properly.

“Regular cleaning removes fluff and lint, reducing the risk of fire. Clean the filter after use and never leave your dryer, washing machine or dishwasher running unattended whilst out or overnight. Follow our safety tips to stay safe.”

The safety checklist is:

• Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using your dryer.
• Never leave your appliance unattended or running overnight.
• Never overload your dryer or put items in that have been used to soak up flammable liquids.
• Keep it well ventilated ensuring the vent pipe is kink-free, not blocked or crushed in any way.
• Clean the filter in your dryer after every use.
• Have it serviced regularly by a qualified engineer.
• DON’T ignore the warning signs – Does your tumble dryer smell of burning? Are your clothes taking longer to dry? Do the clothes feel hotter at the end of the cycle? Does the external vent flap stay shut when the dryer is on?
• If you notice any of the above, clean the filter and check the vent pipe immediately.

For more safety advice about your tumble dryer click here or follow us on Twitter or Facebook.

Remember we offer all residents a free Home Fire Safety Visit, where firefighters will come to your home and give valuable safety advice and help make an escape plan which will be tailored to you and your family’s needs. Free smoke alarms will be supplied and fitted if needed. Call us on 01429 874063 to arrange a visit at your convenience.

Shocking statistics show that nationally, half of all accidental house fires in 2010/11 were caused by faulty or misused electrical equipment.

From faulty fridges and abandoned irons to dodgy plugs and wiring, electrical equipment can be an unnoticed fire hazard in the home. With winter weather, many sockets could still be overloaded with space heaters and electric blankets. 

So Cleveland Fire Brigade has joined forces with Government fire safety campaign Fire Kills and the Electrical Safety Council to make sure people know the risks and take care when using electrics in their home.

Across England, over 2010/11, 19,454 accidental house fires involved faulty or misused electrical products, with 38 of those resulting in fatalities. Despite no fatalities in Cleveland, there were 24 casualties, and Cleveland Fire Brigade is working hard to bring this number down.

But every individual can take steps to help themselves by checking that the electrical equipment they use is in good shape and is operated properly.

Phil Lancaster, Director of Community Protection for Cleveland Fire Brigade said:

“Electrical equipment is an inescapable part of all our lives, from essentials like heating and lights to luxuries like entertainment systems or beauty products. Half of all accidental fires begin with an electrical appliance, so it’s really important to be sure that your electrics are in good working order and are used properly.

“Most electrical fires start in the kitchen, so be extra careful with cooking equipment.  Fire in the home can be devastating, but many of these fires are preventable. By following some simple steps, you can help keep you and your loved ones safe from fire.”

• Don’t overload plug sockets – extension leads and adaptors will have a limit to how many amps they can take. Try to keep one plug per socket.
• Regularly check for worn or frayed wires – always check that cables are secured properly to the plug before plugging an appliance in.
• Unplug appliances when not in use, unless they are designed to be left on – e.g. freezer.
• Keep appliances clean and in good working order – Look out for fuses that blow, circuit-breakers that trip for no obvious reason and flickering lights.
• Unplug your electric blanket before you go to bed, unless it has a thermostat for safe all-night use.
• Portable electric devices i.e. laptops/hair straighteners should be placed on a well-ventilated surface and never left on beds or sofas.
• Keep heaters clear from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes
• Check for the British or European Safety mark.
• Consider using an RCD – Residual Current Device – which works like a circuit breaker to protect against electric shocks and reduces the risk of electrical fires.
• If a fire occurs – get out, stay out and call 999.

For more electrical safety advice, click here or follow us on Twitter or Facebook.

Remember we offer all residents a free Home Fire Safety Visit, where firefighters will come to your home and give valuable safety advice and help make an escape plan which will be tailored to you and your family’s needs. Free smoke alarms will be supplied and fitted if needed. Call us on 01429 874063 to arrange a visit at your convenience.

Former Prince's Trust team members taking part in the course residential

Are you or someone you know
16 – 25 years old and looking for an exciting opportunity to gain new skills and experience? Cleveland Fire Brigade can help as its next free Prince’s Trust Team Programme begins on Monday 23 January 2012 in the Redcar and Cleveland area.

This full-time, 12 week programme offers the opportunity to meet new friends and work together to carry out a range of tasks which will benefit local communities. Team members who complete the course successfully will gain a Prince’s Trust Certificate in Employment, Teamwork and Community Skills which is a nationally recognised qualification.

The programme consists of a one-week residential team building exercise, carrying out a community project, a work placement and a team challenge. Other support is also offered, including help with CVs, job searching and identifying opportunities for progression such as apprenticeships.

Abby Burton, Prince’s Trust Team Leader with Cleveland Fire Brigade, said “This programme will help young people plan their futures – in many cases it has changed lives! If you are up to the challenge, or you know someone who is, contact me to express your interest on 01642 777650, 07872 841132 or email aburton@clevelandfire.gov.uk with your name, address and date of birth. There are only 15 places available on the programme, so don’t hesitate.

“A taster day is being held on Wednesday 18 January so those who express their interest before then can come along and experience what the course has to offer.”

Nationally, 70% of unemployed young adults who successfully complete this programme go on to a job, education or training within three months. They also build self-esteem, confidence and motivation to achieve such results.

As well as achieving a Prince’s Trust Certificate in Employment, Teamwork and Community Skills, there are opportunities to add various other additions to CV’s such as Fire Awareness, Emergency First Aid, as well as Fire Brigade short course in Money Management and IOSH Working Safely.

Young people who claim benefits are usually able to continue claiming whilst taking part in the Prince’s Trust Team Programme.

Remember to contact Abby on 01642 777650, 07872 841132 or email aburton@clevelandfire.gov.uk with your name, address and date of birth as soon as possible as there are only 15 places on the programme.

One of the Brigade’s six key campaign messages is stub cigarettes out fully and don’t smoke in bed. In the past year, 30 fire incidents across Cleveland were caused by smoking materials – 7 of which involved smoking in bed and 10 were the result of careless disposal.

Phil Lancaster, Director of Community Protection, said: “Nationally, one in three accidental home fire deaths are caused by smoking and households with a smoker are almost one and a half times more likely to suffer a fire than non-smoking households. These facts alone exemplify how important it is to be careful if you smoke.

“Of course the safest and healthiest thing is to stop smoking which could be the best gift you can give to your family and friends but if you are going to continue with the habit then we strongly suggest that you follow our guidelines to ensure that you and your family Stay Safe and Celebrate:

Safety Tips

• Make sure you stub your cigarette out fully when you have finished.
• Never smoke in bed – if you feel sleepy or need to lie down, do not light up as by dozing off you could set your bed on fire.
• Never leave cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended as when they burn down they can easily overbalance and start a fire.
• If you are tired, have had a festive drink or take medication that can make you drowsy, take extra care. It is very easy to fall asleep without realising your cigarette is still burning.
• Always use a proper, heavy ashtray made of material that won’t burn and that won’t tip over easily.
• Wet contents of ash trays before emptying them into a metal bin outside the home. Do this regularly.
• Never tip ash into a wastebasket.
• Keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Where possible, buy child-resistant lighters and matchboxes.

Remember, if you would like to quit smoking, you can call the NHS Stop Smoking Helpline anytime on 0800 1690169 or visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk/

For further information on safety in the home, visit the Brigade’s interactive house website and get further advice.

The ‘Stay Safe and Celebrate’ campaign involves firefighters and Brigade personnel getting out into the community to spread their safety messages plus posters, leaflets, a Christmas card competition for schools, liaising closely with the media and the use of social networking sites where there is advice and videos. 

To help keep you and your family safe from fire, the Brigade provides free Home Fire Safety Visits and will fit smoke alarms if needed. Call us on 01429 874063 to arrange a visit to your home and you will receive specific fire safety advice for you and your family.

Over the past year 7% of accidental fires across Cleveland were caused by candles. They are very popular at this time, with several types available to buy, but they can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

Les Jones, Head of Community Safety said: “Candles are a typical sight in many homes, scenting our rooms and giving an atmospheric glow to cold winter nights. But it’s important to remember that a candle is not just another piece of furniture. Left unattended, an open flame scenting your home could leave a trail of devastation.

“Over fifty fires are started by candles every day – make sure you don’t join the statistic. Place your lit candles with extra care, away from curtains, pets and children and always remember to put them out when you leave the room, even for a moment.

“Even with these precautions it’s vital to be prepared should the worst happen. A working smoke alarm can give you the vital time you need to get out, stay out and call 999. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by testing your alarm regularly and practice your escape routes.” 

To help you use candles safely, follow these top tips:

• Never leave candles unattended
• Always place in a candleholder on a heat resistant surface
• Always light candles away from curtains, furniture and anything else that can catch fire.
• Do not move lit candles
• Do not keep several burning candles close together
• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room
• Put candles out with a snuffer or a spoon

For further information on safety in the home, visit the Brigade’s website – www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/celebrate – where you can click on to an interactive house and get further advice.

The ‘Stay Safe and Celebrate’ campaign involves firefighters and Brigade personnel getting out into the community to spread their safety messages plus posters, leaflets, a Christmas card competition for schools, liaising closely with the media and the use of social networking sites where there is advice and videos. 

To help keep you and your family safe from fire, the Brigade provides free Home Fire Safety Visits and will fit smoke alarms if needed. Call us on 01429 874063 to arrange a visit to your home and you will receive specific fire safety advice for you and your family.

The sponsorship money was raised after taking part in the 110 mile Cleveland Way walk earlier this year and also from a ceilidh event. On Wednesday 7 December, at Redcar Ambulance Station, staff from the two organisations handed over the money to the Help for Heroes charity.

The two emergency services already had close working links as Grangetown Fire Station is a standby point for NEAS and this is how the combined challenge to raise money for the charity came about.

Beginning the challenging walk on Tuesday 17 May, the team started in Helmsley then passed through Osmotherly and Kildale before making their way to Saltburn. From Saltburn they walked along the coast taking in Runswick Bay, Whitby, Scarborough and finishing in Filey.

The walk was organised by NEAS paramedic Ivan Doherty who was a former soldier prior to joining the ambulance service. He has also served as a medic with the Territorial Army serving in Afghanistan.

Chris Coverdale, Grangetown Blue Watch Manager who helped Ivan to organise the event, said: “The Cleveland Way walk was completed over six days. Four North East Ambulance Service staff and myself from Cleveland Fire Brigade completed the whole walk of 110 miles, with around another 60 people joining us on various days for sections of the walk.

“The Ceilidh was held in October at The Hub, Middlesbrough and was well supported by both organisations.

“There are many members within Cleveland Fire Brigade who are former armed service personnel and have served all over the world in various conflicts and have witnessed major trauma.  The money raised will go some way to help rehabilitate those who are seriously injured.”

“Ivan Doherty, has, along with colleagues, now raised in excess of £14,500 for the Help for Heroes charity which is a fantastic achievement.”

Ivan said, “Serving as a soldier, I have seen many of the horrific and catastrophic injuries that have been inflicted on the men and women that serve in the armed forces.

“By raising money for such a worthy cause we are helping those that put their lives on the line for us every day. Anyone who would like to make a donation towards our team effort can do so at

http://www.justgiving.com/Ivan-Doherty .”

Photo caption: Ivan Doherty (far right) and Chris Coverdale (2^nd from right) with fellow fundraisers after handing over the cheque to Help for Heroes.

Since the co-responder scheme started in 2004, the Brigade has assisted the ambulance service by attending over 1800 emergency incidents. The Brigade has mobilised 550 calls this year alone, making 2011 its busiest year to date.

Due to the location of the Brigade’s fire stations, fire crews are able to support the emergency ambulance service for patients that are suffering from potentially life threatening signs and symptoms such as breathing difficulties and chest pains. The fire crews can provide essential first aid before the ambulance crews take over.

This has proved particularly valuable during the extreme winter conditions experienced over the last two years which have made progress by road hazardous.

Elaine Bennington, Operations Manager for the Tees Division of the North East Ambulance Service said: “Whilst the North East Ambulance Service continues to develop and extend its own resources to continually improve the service to the patients of East Cleveland, additional resources are always welcome.”

Research has shown that if a cardiac arrest victim is defibrillated immediately, their chance of survival can be as high as 85%, these odds decrease by 10% with every minute that passes without treatment.

Steve Walton, Redcar District Manager, said: “All of our fire engines carry a defibrillator which is used to shock a heart that has stopped pumping blood effectively. We also have 4×4 vehicles at Saltburn and Guisborough which can proceed to calls in challenging driving environments.

“All Cleveland Fire Brigade firefighters are also trained to perform cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and carry oxygen therapy equipment which can be used to support the patients until a paramedic arrives.

“All members of the public can be taught lifesaving skills which could form a vital link in the chain of survival. Cleveland Fire Brigade will deliver this free training on request.”

Fires in the home can be caused by faulty wiring in plugs and electrical appliances, electrical equipment not being used safety or by sockets being overloaded. These fires could be preventable by making a few simple checks and taking precautions.

Particularly with the colder weather and festive season upon us, more tumble dryers will be used and Christmas lights going up which if not used properly could increase the risk of fire and could spoil the celebrations.

Phil Lancaster, Director of Community Protection said: “By keeping electrical items in good working order it reduces the risk of fire, particularly ones that run at high speeds and contain motors, like washing machines, should be serviced once a year by a qualified electrician. It is also vital that items such as laptops and hair straighteners are unplugged whilst not in use as the heat they generate could start a fire.

“By following some simple steps, you can help keep yourself and your family safe from fire:                   

• Don’t overload plug sockets
• Regularly check for worn or frayed wires
• Unplug appliances when not in use
• Keep appliances clean and in good working order
• Portable electric devices i.e. laptops/hair straighteners should be placed on a well-ventilated surface and never left on beds or sofas
• Consider using a Residual Current Device (which protects against electric shocks and reduces the risk of electrical fires)

He added, “We also advise that heaters be kept clear from curtains and furniture and should never be used for drying clothes. If you use an electric blanket, unplug it before you go to bed unless it has a thermostat for safe all-night use.”

Over the past few weeks a total of 2,460 students – many of whom are young drivers – have taken part in ‘Learn and Live’ roadshows run by Cleveland Fire Brigade in partnership with Cleveland Police, the North East Ambulance Service and volunteers from the local community.

The initiative is aimed at stopping young people being killed or injured in accidents on the roads, with particular emphasis on crashes caused by young drivers. Such incidents are often due to excessive speed, dangerous overtaking, drink and drugs, not wearing seat belts and driving whilst distracted by things like mobile phones.

The roadshows feature personal accounts from the emergency services and road safety professionals as well as from people whose lives have been devastated by losing a loved-one in a fatal collision.

They have visited Hartlepool College, Stockton Riverside College, Middlesbrough College and Redcar and Cleveland College and were also invited to deliver a session to employees of Billingham firm Fujifilm, targeting drivers at work. 

Steve Walton, Redcar District Manager at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “This is the sixth year that the Learn and Live roadshows have been delivered to what still remains the most vulnerable group of road users.

“Despite significant progress – which has seen fatalities in the 16-24 age group fall from ten in 2004 to none during 2008 to 2010 – sadly 2011 has seen the deaths on Teesside of two young people who were travelling in a vehicle with a teenage driver.

“We make no apology for the fact that our presentations are hard hitting and highlight the consequences of road traffic collisions. We remain absolutely committed to making our roads safer for all types of road user.

“We would like to thank the colleges across Teesside for supporting this initiative and giving us the opportunity to reach so many young people.”

Cleveland Fire Brigade launched its Stay Safe and Celebrate campaign on 2 December which aims to raise awareness of common causes of house fires during Christmas.

One of the key messages is Don’t Drink and Fry – if you have a festive drink don’t cook. The risk of accidents, particularly in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.

Les Jones, Head of Community Safety said: “We want people to enjoy themselves over Christmas, but we want them to do it safely. It only takes one act of carelessness when cooking to result in someone losing their home, their possessions or their life.

“Often the person who has been drinking will not wake up when a fire takes hold, particularly if they do not have a working smoke alarm. Even when the alarm is raised and firefighters enter the home, it is not uncommon for a person to have lost consciousness and died through smoke inhalation.

By following some simple advice, a tragedy could be avoided.

• Buy food on the way back from the pub, rather than attempting to cook when you get home
• Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished and never smoke in bed, fires start when people who have been drinking fall asleep whilst smoking or forget to extinguish cigarettes
• Don’t light candles if you have been drinking
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
• Many fire deaths including alcohol as a contributing factor involve people who may live alone or have alcohol problems. If you have friends or relatives like this pay them a visit and make sure their homes are safe from fire.
• Ensure you have a working smoke alarm and test it once a week #testittuesday

Residents are encouraged to visit the Brigade’s interactive house and get detailed safety information and advice.

To help keep you and your family safe from fire, the Brigade provides free Home Fire Safety Visits and will fit smoke alarms if needed. Call us on 01429 874063 to arrange a visit to your home and you will receive specific fire safety advice for you and your family.

Declan Sowerby entered a Christmas card competition held by Cleveland Fire Brigade in conjunction with TFM Radio which was part of the Brigade’s ‘Stay Safe & Celebrate’ Christmas campaign. This initiative aims to warn people of the dangers of fire in the home over the festive season.

The 10 year old’s card which warns of the dangers of candles, telling people not to leave them unattended when lit will be used as an e-card by the Brigade.

Fire crews will be picking up Declan who lives in High Grange, Billingham, from his home on Friday 16 December in a fire engine and giving him a ride to school where he will be greeted by his fellow pupils. He will then be presented with an iPod shuffle and a framed copy of the card he designed.

His school will also get the use of the Brigade’s Multi Use Games Arena (MUGA) which is a mobile sports facility where the pupils will take part in various activities such as football, volleyball and rugby.

Phil Lancaster, Director of Community Protection with Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “With the festive season upon us, we want to ensure everyone enjoys it safely. For this, people need to be aware of the possible dangers when it comes to fire and take precautions to prevent a tragedy.

“Declan’s design is fantastic and it’s easy to see why it received more than a thousand votes. It will certainly help spread one of our key messages – never to leave candles unattended – and possibly help prevent someone’s home going up in flames.”

Our other top tips are:

• Keep your cooker clean – burnt food and fat can cause fires
• Stand by your pan – never leave cooking unattended
• Don’t drink and fry – if you have a festive drink don’t cook
• Maintain electrical equipment and switch it off if you’re going out or if it is not being used
• Use candles with care – never leave them unattended
• Stub cigarettes out fully and don’t smoke in bed

For further information on safety in the home, visit our interactive house and get further advice.

Around 60% of accidental house fires start in the kitchen but many could be avoided if people were more safety conscious, according to Phil Lancaster, Director of Community Protection with Cleveland Fire Brigade.

“At this time of the year people will be spending more time in the kitchen cooking festive meals and entertaining family and friends and all we are asking is that they follow some simple tips to keep everyone safe.

“The kitchen is the most hazardous room in the house in terms of fire and we want people to remember Christmas 2011 for all of the right reasons,” said Mr Lancaster.

The tips are as follows:

• Take pans off the heat and turn off the hob and/or grill if you have to leave the kitchen while cooking.
• Ensure saucepan handles don’t stick out so they don’t get knocked off.
• Keep handles of pans turned to the back of the hob and away from other gas burners/electric rings.
• Never leave children alone in the kitchen and fit a child safety catch to the oven door.
• Don’t wear loose clothing when cooking as it can easily catch fire.
• Use a spark device to light gas cookers as this is safer than using matches or lighters.
• Keep tea towels and cloths away from your cooker and hob.
• Make sure the oven, hob and grill is turned off when you have finished cooking.
• Clean your grill pan every time you use it.

For further information on safety in the home, visit our interactive house – where you can click on to an interactive house and get further advice.

The ‘Stay Safe and Celebrate’ campaign involves firefighters and Brigade personnel getting out into the community to spread their safety messages plus posters, leaflets, a Christmas card competition for schools, liaising closely with the media and the use of social networking sites where there is advice and videos. 

To help keep you and your family safe from fire, the Brigade provides free Home Fire Safety Visits and will fit smoke alarms if needed. Call us on 01429 874063 to arrange a visit to your home and you will receive specific fire safety advice for you and your family.

For further safety information, join us on Facebook or Twitter.

Led by Cleveland Fire Brigade in partnership with a number of key partners, the annual ‘Stay Safe and Warm’ campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers faced by people who struggle to keep warm in the cold months and to provide help and support.

Since it was launched at the start of October, it has already helped 45 people, including lending 55 heaters and 35 thermal blankets.

Over 25,000 people in the UK die each year because they can’t keep warm in their own homes. This is due to either faulty heating or because worries about the cost of fuel force them to turn their heating off or down to unsafe levels or because they use cheaper and less safe forms of heating which can cause fires.

Among the Teesside cases dealt with since this year’s campaign began was that of a young single mother with a one-year-old child who was living in a freezing cold house with only an old, unsafe halogen heater for warmth. Her partner had died and she had also lost her job, leaving her very depressed.

The Stay Safe and Warm partners have provided her with a safe, reliable heater and have arranged benefits advice and bereavement counselling. They have also put her in touch with appropriate organisations to provide her with baby safety equipment.

In another case, the alarm was raised after a carbon monoxide detector was found to be sounding at the home of an elderly couple with dementia.

The couple’s family was contacted and arrangements were made to take the couple out of the house while an emergency gas fitter investigated. The gas was then disconnected and the source of the carbon monoxide leak was tackled. While the repairs were being carried out, the Stay Safe and Warm team made heaters and blankets available to keep the elderly couple warm.

Les Jones, Cleveland Fire Brigade’s Head of Community Safety, said: “Although we have had one of the mildest autumns in many years, the situation is deceptive and we have already helped a number of very vulnerable people who were in difficulty.

“Being able to keep warm at home can literally be a matter of life and death and it’s vital that we identify those at risk so we can take swift action to keep them safe. Last year we helped nearly 400 people.”

In an important addition to this year’s campaign, all Teesside’s hospitals are enquiring about a person’s home heating arrangements when the person enters hospital, so that any heating issues can be tackled before the patient goes home.

Partners in the Stay Safe and Warm project are the Teeswide Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Board and its members Cleveland Police, North East Ambulance Service, Age UK Teesside, Cleveland Fire Support Network, North Tees and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, NHS Tees, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Durham Tees Valley Probation Service, Victim Support and the Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar and Cleveland Councils.

Anyone who is worried that they may not be able to heat their home properly or is concerned about a family member, friend or neighbour, should call the Fire Brigade on 01429 874063. More information is also available at www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/warm

Around 60% of accidental house fires start in the kitchen and many could be avoided as Les Jones, Head of Community Safety with Cleveland Fire Brigade, explains.

“When people are cleaning their kitchen, the cooker is often overlooked which can make it a potential fire hazard.

“It is so important that people always keep their oven, hob, grill and microwave clean as a build up of fat and grease can easily catch fire.

“However, it is particularly important at this time of the year as people use their cookers for longer periods as they roast their Christmas turkey or other festive fare.”

Mr Jones also urged residents to keep their toaster clean, free from crumbs and away from curtains, kitchen rolls and anything else that could catch fire.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Brigade’s website – www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/celebrate – where they can click on to an interactive house and get detailed safety information and advice.

The ‘Stay Safe and Celebrate’ campaign involves firefighters and Brigade personnel getting out into the community to spread their safety messages plus posters, leaflets, a Christmas card competition for schools, liaising closely with the media and the use of social networking sites where there is advice and videos. 

To help keep you and your family safe from fire, the Brigade provides free Home Fire Safety Visits and will fit smoke alarms if needed. Call us on 01429 874063 to arrange a visit to your home and you will receive specific fire safety advice for you and your family.

Click the image to visit our interative festive safety home

‘Stay Safe and Celebrate’! That’s the message from Cleveland Fire Brigade as it prepares to launch a major campaign which will run until Christmas.

Every year during the festive season, many people suffer injuries because they don’t take enough care in their own homes.

To mark the start of the campaign, firefighters will be spending part of the day at Cleveland Retail Park on Friday 2 December when they will be giving various safety demonstrations and handing out advice to shoppers.

The Brigade’s six key messages for this year to enable people to ‘Stay Safe and Celebrate’ are:

• Keep your cooker clean – burnt food and fat can cause fires
• Stand by your pan – never leave cooking unattended
• Don’t drink and fry – if you have a festive drink don’t cook
• Maintain electrical equipment and switch it off if you’re going out or if it is not being used
• Use candles with care – never leave them unattended
• Stub cigarettes out fully and don’t smoke in bed

Les Jones, Head of Community Safety with Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “We fully expect people to celebrate at this time of the year, but by following our simple tips and advice people can ensure that they stay safe.

“Without doubt, the kitchen is the most hazardous room in people’s homes and this is where the majority of incidents occur. As a result three of our key messages this year focus specifically on the kitchen – Keep your cooker clean, never leave cooking unattended and don’t drink and fry.

“We want people to remember Christmas 2011 for all of the right reasons and not because they ended up in A & E or lost a loved one through a tragic accident that could have been avoided.

“This will be a high-profile campaign which will involve firefighters and Brigade personnel getting out into the community to spread the message about the ‘Stay Safe and Celebrate’ campaign.”

Everyone should also visit the campaign webpage – www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/celebrate – where they can click on items in an interactive house and get detailed safety tips and advice as well as view safety videos.

The campaign also includes posters, leaflets, a Christmas card competition for schools, liaising closely with the media and the use of Facebook and Twitter.  

To help keep you and your family safe from fire this festive season, call the Brigade on 01429 874063 for a free Home Fire Safety Visit and will fit smoke alarms if needed.

Cleveland Fire Brigade is working alongside the road safety charity ‘Brake’ to raise awareness of the dangers on our roads. Road Safety Week is a Brake initiative and the 2011 theme is ‘Too young to die’.

Throughout the week students across the area will be viewing the Brigade’s hard hitting ‘Learn and Live’ show, which is ran in conjunction with Cleveland Police, the North East Ambulance Service and local authority road traffic partnerships. The presentation shows graphic images and videos and guest speakers tell their real life stories of how they have been affected by road accidents.

The Brigade is aiming to raise awareness of the fact that road crashes are sudden, violent events that rip families apart by ending lives too soon or cause life-changing injuries, leading to terrible suffering. Many of those affected are young – road crashes are the biggest killer of young people – and these casualties send shock waves through families and communities. Cleveland Fire Brigade and Brake are appealing for young people to look out for themselves and their friends as drivers and passengers, and speak out against dangerous behaviour.

The main message the Brigade want to convey is that road traffic collisions are preventable, as many of them are caused by people driving:

• too fast or overtaking dangerously
• whilst using a mobile
• under the influence of alcohol/drugs
• whilst tired
• without using a seatbelt

The Brigade is appealing to all drivers to always put safety first and make Brake’s Pledge2DriveSafely.

Group Manager Steve Walton, Lead Officer for Road Traffic Collision Reduction, said:  “Since commencing our Learn and Live programme in 2005, over 54,000 young people have experienced the ‘impact education’ presentation. During that period, road deaths in Cleveland have fallen from 30 in 2005 to only two in 2010. However, two is still two too many and we will continue to have a zero tolerance to people dying. The fact that we have already seen nine deaths this year shows we cannot afford to be complacent or to relax our efforts.”

To find out more about road safety and this campaign click here or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Chief Fire Officer, Ian Hayton will officially open the garden with Frank Sweeney, Retired Grangetown Station Manager, who originally started the project. Children from Grangetown Primary School will also be attending.

Cleveland Fire Brigade worked with children and teachers from Grangetown Primary School, to develop a community garden which will be maintained and used by the schoolchildren and other members of the community for planting and growing produce. Funding was secured from various sources including Impetus Environmental Trust. The initial work has been carried out by the Dig-It Project, a local company renowned for delivering this type of garden in schools.

Chief Fire Officer, Ian Hayton said “We have had great support from local businesses to make this project a reality. Equally, the children and teachers at Grangetown Primary School and our firefighters have pulled out all the stops, working in their own time to complete the project and provide the local community with an innovative garden facility. I hope the young people and the local communities who use the ‘Grow ‘n’ Learn’ Garden are happy with the results and find it a really rewarding experience to be involved in.”

“By forging strong links with the local community through the ‘Grow ‘n’ Learn’ Garden project, we hope to provide positive role models to young people, and hopefully divert them to more constructive activities in the future.”

He added “Cleveland Fire Brigade is involved in a number of innovative projects to engage with young people and encourage a sense of pride in the community. These types of project are seen as a key part of the role we play to protect our communities. Although many people might still view the Fire Service as only providing an ‘emergency response’ service, our firefighters have increasingly worked to protect people by prevention and protection measures.

Bobby Jameson, Head Teacher of Grangetown Primary School said: “The Fire Brigade staff and I have managed to secure a large grant and the groundwork has been developed into an exciting and innovative garden area which I’m sure our children are going to have great fun working in. Mrs Leadley, our Teaching Assistant who runs a gardening club in school and I attended a meeting recently at the fire station and were very impressed with the developments to the garden area.

“Visits from all year groups will also begin again in the Spring when the weather is better. The school will be taking as many children as possible to the opening and I’m sure it will be a great day.

“We cannot thank Frank Sweeney, retired Grangetown Fire Station Manager, enough for all he did to set this scheme in motion. It was his dream and he has made it all happen. I would also like to thank Cleveland Fire Brigade staff Denise Lee and Jimmy Ruse for their continuing help with the project. The children of Grangetown Primary will be eternally grateful for this wonderful resource.”