Don’t Let Fire Ruin Your Christmas

Christmas dinner, wrapping presents, decorating your home – there’s a lot to think about this Christmas. But one thing Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and the national Fire Kills campaign are urging Dorset & Wiltshire residents to put at the top of their Christmas lists this year is fire safety.

Fire safety is vital throughout the year; the extra distractions of Christmas make it especially important to be vigilant. This is why Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to take extra care over the festive season to ensure that their families and loved ones are protected from fire.

Prevention Delivery Manager, Vikki Thomas, says: “Christmas can be the time for relaxing, spending time with family and friends and maybe even overindulging. But fairy lights, candles and decorations mean it is also a time to take extra care to keep our loved ones safe from fire.”

“The colder weather brings its own menaces, too.  Take care when using portable heaters or open fires to keep warm.”

To ensure you have the merriest of Christmases, keep fire safety at the top of your list. Ensure you place candles in suitable holders and away from Christmas cards, decorations, or anything else that may catch alight.  Never leave cooking unattended and, of course, test your smoke alarms.

Here are some simple tips from the Fire Kills campaign to help you and your family enjoy the joys of Christmas safely:

• Ensure you have working smoke alarms installed on all levels of your home. Working alarms can give you the vital time needed to escape in a fire. Test your smoke alarms regularly and never remove batteries!
   
• Never leave cooking unattended.  The majority of fires start in the kitchen, so this is a high-risk area.  Many of us enjoy a merry tipple over the festive season, but be sure to avoid cooking whilst under the influence of alcohol. Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.
   
• Never leave burning candles unattended. Keep candles out of the reach of children, and away from decorations, cards and wrapping paper, fires, lights and heaters.
   
• Put your cigarette out, right out.  Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished and take care when under the influence of alcohol or tired. It’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and set furniture alight.
   
• Never use heaters to dry clothes.  Heaters can start fires when things are placed too close to them.  Keep them well away from decorations, curtains, clothing and furniture.
   
• Don’t overload sockets. Ensure only one plug per socket.  Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers.
   
• Ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed or leave the house. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598) and are in good working order before use.
   
• Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment, including Christmas lights and decorations. This safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store.
   
• Do something good this Christmas. Test the smoke alarms of someone you know who may need help such as an older relative or neighbour to ensure their safety as they are at greater risk from fire.
   
• Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire – in the event of fire you should get out, stay out and call 999
   

For advice specific to you and your home, visit Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service | Safety at home and find out if you could be eligible for a free home fire safety visit.