Staying Safe during the Festive Period
Christmas is a special time for many families and friends to come together and create lasting memories. However, the season also brings risks, including the potential for fires and injuries. Follow our essential safety tips so that you make good memories with your loved ones and have a safe and joyful festive period.
Cooking over Christmas?
- Cooking causes over 50% of all home fires, to stay safe follow this safety advice:
- Make sure you don’t leave any cooking unattended.
- A houseful of guests can be distracting – be wary of interruptions when cooking.
- Keep all hob tops and grills clear – never place oven gloves or tea towels near hobs.
- Switch off all appliances when you have finished cooking and always double check this before leaving the house.
- To avoid grease and crumbs building up clean your cooking area regularly.
- Get a takeaway after a night out or if you have been drinking at home.
Got a real Christmas tree?
- A real Christmas tree is often more of a fire hazard than an artificial one as artificial trees are usually fire retardant. It is important to keep real trees hydrated as they can absorb up to a litre of water a day.
- Christmas decorations can set alight easily, so don’t attach them to lights or heaters.
- Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard and are in good working order.
- Don’t place Christmas trees or decorations in front of doors or windows used as escape routes.
- NEVER spray hairspray on a real Christmas tree to prevent the needles dropping, it makes them extremely flammable.
Festive Electrical Safety
- Only use outdoor lights for outdoor use.
- Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment, this safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in DIY stores.
- Keep the packaging of lights for future reference.
- Check fairy lights are in good working condition before use.
- Don’t overload sockets and never extend the length of an extension cord by “daisy-chaining” this can lead to overheating the cord by overloading it, creating a serious fire hazard.
- When you go to bed or leave the house always unplug all Christmas lights.
Advice for Christmas Presents
- You might consider buying an e-bike or e-scooter as a gift this Christmas. We recommend only buying these high-powered items from legitimate retailers. Only charge these using an official charger, and never on your escape route. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Only buy electrical items from reputable sites.
- Fires can often be attributes to alcohol, instead of buying alcohol as gift, why not bring some food to a Christmas dinner, this could reduce the hosts stress and costs of hosting.
Keeping a cosy and warm atmosphere
We always recommend using an artificial flame, however, if you are using a real candle, please:
- Keep them away from Christmas cards, decorations, fires, lights, heaters and the Christmas tree.
- Do not place them near soft furnishings or curtains.
- If you have been drinking or could fall asleep never light a candle.
- Once lit never leave them unattended.
The best present is peace of mind
- Take the time to check on any vulnerable relatives and neighbours, test their smoke alarms for them.
- Make sure your family and any visitors staying know how to escape in an emergency, tell them where you keep door and window keys.
- Don’t Drink and Drive – get those taxis booked for any nights out on the town
- Most important test your smoke alarms, only working alarms save lives!
Merry Christmas from Cleveland Fire Brigade
At Cleveland Fire Brigade, we want you to enjoy a wonderful Christmas. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to follow our safety advice.
If you do have a fire, remember get out, stay out, and call us out on 999. Don’t try to tackle the fire yourself. This is when many people get hurt. We are ready to help you 24/7, so don’t hesitate to call in an emergency.
If you need further home fire safety advice, please contact our friendly team on 01429 874063 who will be able to book you in for a FREE Safer Homes Assessment. You can also visit the page here: https://www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/book-a-safer-homes-visit/ and make a referral.
