Tips to avoid fires over Christmas

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service wants to avoid firefighters arriving at peoples' homes uninvited over the festive period and has produced a Christmas Crib Calendar with 12 helpful messages to keep families and loved ones safe.

The Christmas cribs advise everyone to:

• 1. Check Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard
• 2. Never place candles near Christmas trees or furnishings
• 3. Make a fire escape plan and make sure family and visitors know what to do in an emergency
• 4. Don't attach decorations to lights or heaters, they can burn easily
• 5. Never overload electrical sockets and always switch off and unplug Christmas lights before going to bed or going out
• 6. Take care when cooking after drinking alcohol as the risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.
• 7. Never leave cooking unattended – most fires start in the kitchen
• 8. Take care with fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby
• 9. Make sure cigarettes are completely out before going to bed
• 10. Check smoke alarm batteries every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust
• 11. Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of children and never leave burning candles unattended
• 12. Take time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours to make sure they are fire safe

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Christmas Crib Calendar video – click here

For more Christmas Safety information please visit our website – click here

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