Fire Safety when celebrating

It’s that time of year again when we go to lots of parties, decorate out houses and invite round friends and family for some fun and festivities.

Enjoy celebrations safely by following these simple tips

Having a party

• Inform your guests of the best route to escape just in case.
• Take special care of elderly people, children and those who may find it difficult to get out if there is a fire.
• Put out enough ashtrays, so ash and cigarette butts don’t get put in wastepaper bins.
• Tell guests who are staying overnight where door keys are, in case they need to escape.

Fairy lights, candles and decorations

• Unplug fairy lights when you leave the house or go to bed.
• Keep candles away from things that may catch fire, like Christmas trees, greeting cards, ribbons and other decorations.
• Put candles out when you leave the room and make sure they’re put out completely at night.
• Check fairy lights are in good working order and replace any bulbs that blow.
• Don’t let bulbs touch anything that can burn easily, such as paper or fabrics.
• Make sure the fuse in the plug is the right size (check the

Fireworks

• Never go back to a lit firework – even if hasn’t gone off it could still explode.
• Never throw fireworks or put them in your pocket.
• Don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks.
• Store fireworks in a closed box and take them out one at a time.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby.
• Follow the instructions on each firework, use a torch to read them, never a naked flame.
• Light fireworks at arms length, using the taper provided.
• Make sure everyone stands well back.
• Always supervise children around fireworks and never give sparklers to children under five.
• Keep pets indoors
• Take care around open flames such as bonfires – even clothes labelled as low flammability can catch fire.