North Wales Fire and Rescue Service: “Look after each other this Christmas”
The Head of Prevention at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is appealing to everyone within our communities to take some time to look after each other this Christmas.
Kevin Jones, Head of Prevention for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“Working together and looking out for one another is what we do on a daily basis with our emergency services colleagues.
“The safety of our communities is our priority – and I’m appealing to residents to join with us to help keep everyone safe.
“The build up to Christmas and New Year is often a really busy time – so my appeal to you is to take just a few moments to consider fire safety and think about how you could help family, friends or neighbours stay safe from fire this Christmas, and ensure they have working smoke alarms fitted in their home.
“Our staff will also be hosting coffee mornings to connect with our communities – please spread the word on these events so that we can all look after each other this Christmas.”
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to stay safe and protect their homes from fire by following and sharing with others the twelve tips for festive fire safety:
- Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment (This is a safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power).
- Never place candles near your Christmas tree, furniture or curtains. Don’t leave them burning unattended.
- Make sure your family and visitors staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency. Practice a fire escape plan.
- Decorations can burn easily – Don’t attach them to lights or heaters.
- 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 them before you go to bed. Christmas is a time when we use more electrical items – don’t overload sockets and plugs but use correctly fused multi gang safety leads.
- Most fires start in the kitchen – never leave cooking unattended. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.
- 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.
- Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.
- Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.
- Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of children.
- Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas. Make sure they are safe from fire, as well as checking on their well-being.
