It might be the most wonderful time of the year, but Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is reminding residents to remember fire safety this December to make sure their festive celebrations don’t turn into a nightmare before Christmas.
Nicola Smith, Prevention Manager at RBFRS says: “December is one of the busiest times of year for the Service and, whilst we want everyone to have fun and enjoy the celebrations, we all need to stay vigilant and do our part to prevent a fire breaking out.
“If you’re decorating your house, make sure you keep your escape routes clear, keep candles away from flammable materials and take care to water any real Christmas trees you have. If a fire does break out, make sure you get out, stay out and call 999.”
There are a few small things you can do to ensure you have a safe Christmas. Yule not regret it!
Celebrating at home
- Deck the halls with smoke alarms! Install a working smoke alarm on every level of your home and make sure you test them once a week.
- Don’t be a Christmas Turkey! Keep looking when cooking and always remember to turn off kitchen appliances once finished.
- Never leave lit candles unattended. Keep them out of reach of children and pets, and away from curtains, decorations and other flammable materials.
- Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket. Remember to turn off electric blankets before going to sleep.
- Always keep chimneys clean and well-maintained when using an open fire to warm the home. Always use a fireguard to protect against flying embers.
Decorating Safely
- Take care when putting up decorations. Some decorations are made from highly flammable materials, so never attach them to lights or heaters.
- Check that electric lights have the British Safety Standard kitemark symbol. This shows that the product meets British safety requirements. Take care not to overload extension leads and sockets with electrical decorations.
- Real Christmas trees can become a fire hazard if they are not cared for properly. Regularly water your tree to prevent it from drying out and potentially setting alight.
Out and About
- Make sure your car is ready for long journeys by checking that your headlights are working and that your tyres are pumped up.
- Take care when driving in wintery conditions. Give yourself more time to react, especially when road surfaces are wet or icy.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol. If you’re going out for a drink, plan your return journey by arranging a lift, taking the Polar Express, or using another form of public transport.
For more festive fire safety advice, please see our Safety at Home webpage and our Celebrating Safely webpage.