Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service

12 Ways to stay safe this Christmas

This festive season Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to stay safe and protect their homes from fire by following twelve tips for festive fire safety:

On the 1st day of Christmas - Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment (safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power).
On the 2nd day of Christmas - Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings. Don't leave them burning unattended.
On the 3rd day of Christmas - Make sure your family and visitors staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency. Practice a fire escape plan.
On the 4th day of Christmas - Decorations can burn easily - Don't attach them to lights or heaters.
On the 5th day of Christmas – Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, unless they’re designed to stay on. Take special care with Christmas lights. Always switch off and unplug Christmas lights before you go to bed.
On the 6th day of Christmas - Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.
On the 7th day of Christmas - Most fires start in the kitchen - never leave cooking unattended.
On the 8th day of Christmas - If you are planning to celebrate 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.
On the 9th day of Christmas - Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.
On the 10th day of Christmas - Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.
On the 11th day of Christmas - Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of children.
On the 12th day of Christmas - Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas - make sure they are fire safe.

Head of Risk Reduction, John O’Leary says: ‘Christmas is a time for having fun with family and friends, so follow our simple fire safety tips to keep everyone safe to enjoy the festivities. Fire officers can come to your home to check for any fire risks and install free working smoke alarms on each level of your home. Call 08451 22 11 55 to request a check.’

The campaign co-incides with the launch of a national dramatic public information film which will be played over the Christmas period on national television. Produced by Fire Kills (part of the Department for Communities and Local Government) the film is a reminder to take extra care this Christmas.

The film begins with an idyllic seasonal scene from a row of Christmas cards on a mantelpiece, but we soon realise that within each setting of the card a very real tragedy is taking place. It’s a serious reminder that many of the things we enjoy about Christmas, such as the fairy lights, candles, paper hats and decorations, can all be fire hazards when proper care is not taken.

Further information about fire safety can also be found at www.firekills.gov.uk

Seasonal Safety