With just a few days to go until Christmas Day, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service is asking residents to take a moment to consider fire safety ahead of the celebrations.
Steve Duffield, Prevention and Protection Group Manager at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“People are decorating their home and planning their festivities. It is a busy time of year and this means fire safety is often pushed out of our minds. Many people will be cooking on a larger scale than usual and using candles more frequently. If distracted, the number of fire related incidents can increase. We are asking people to take some simple steps to make sure that this Christmas is remembered for all the right reasons.”
Carrying out a bedtime check can drastically reduce the risk of fire in the home, keeping you and your family safe. There are a few simple things you can do each night before going to bed to reducing the risk of fire:
Avoid tangled Christmas lights when putting them on your tree or around the house- Don't overload sockets and multiplugs with too many lights
- Be extra careful with new electrical items - ensure you read the instructions before using
- Keep your (real) Christmas tree watered to keep it moist to reduce the risk of it catching fire
- Always check your cooker is turned off – don’t leave your cooking unattended
- Turn off and unplug electrical appliances – Including your Christmas tree and other decorative lights
- Turn heaters off and put up fire guards when you leave the house or go to bed
Put cigarettes and candles out properly – never leave candles unattended- Candles should always be in a suitable holder, away from fabrics and curtains
- Close internal doors – this will stop a fire from spreading should one break out
Follow these simple tips to ensure that you and your family have a safe and happy Christmas.