Cleveland Fire Brigade is urging its residents to put fire safety at the top of their Christmas list this year.
The safety message comes after it was revealed that over the last Christmas period (5th December 2021 to 6th January 2022) almost a third of all fires in the home were related to cooking (30%) followed closely by the joint second highest causes, electrical issues (25%) and radiated heat (25%).
While fire safety is vital throughout the year, the extra distractions of Christmas make it especially important to be vigilant. Therefore, Cleveland Fire Brigade is asking people to take extra care over the festive season to ensure that their families and loved ones are protected from fire.
Robin Turnbull, Area Manager, Protection, Prevention and Engagement said: “We want everyone to enjoy the celebrations but to do so safely to avoid having a Nightmare before Christmas.
We’re asking people to look out for any potential hazards in the home to reduce the risk of fire. Ensure you test your smoke alarms, switch off fairy lights before going to bed, don’t overload sockets, place candles in suitable holders and away from curtains and never leave cooking unattended.
It can only take seconds to be distracted while cooking, especially over the busy festive season, when people may be more inclined to have an alcoholic drink at any time of the day.
The distraction could be your favourite Christmas song on the radio, a notification on your phone, or an unexpected visit from friends or family. However, in those seconds, a catastrophic fire could start and quickly spread, not only putting you and your loved ones at serious risk but also your home and belongings.”
The most common causes of fire include cooking under the influence of alcohol, having dirty cookers and leaving pans unattended on the hobs.
Follow our festive cooking tips to help keep you and your family safe this Christmas:
- Stand by your pan – don’t leave cooking unattended
- Don’t drink and cook – alcohol and cooking do not mix
- Chuck out your chip pan – every year they cause 20% of all accidental home fires in the UK. Use an air fryer instead
- Keep it clean – a build-up of food deposit and fats can provide fuel for fire
- Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home
- If a fire does start in your kitchen – Get Out, Stay Out and Call 999.
Click here for more tips to keep your home safe this Christmas.
