Have you considered fire safety over Christmas?

Friday 07 December 2018

Guernsey's Fire & Rescue Service are urging people to consider fire safety as we all get into the festive sprint.

With people putting up their lights and decorations as the countdown to Christmas really kicks off, our firefighters wanted to remind people it is worth taking some precautions to ensure you don't ruin the end of the year.

Head of Fire Safety, Martin Lucas, said the Fire Service knows Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, and they want everyone to enjoy it, but with decorations, and trees come fire risks too.

"Decorations, lights, trees and candles all being introduced into the home come with a set of risks which have the potential to ruin not just this Christmas, but every Christmas," he said.

"That's why we are highlighting those risks right at the start of December, so that you can take steps to mitigate them. It's really important people pay attention to these risks and don't have a 'it won't happen to me' attitude towards safety. Because even at this time of year, danger doesn't take a day off."

1. Just like the 12 days of Christmas, the service have issued 12 points of advice
2. Check your Christmas lights conform to British standards
3. Never put candles near a Christmas tree
4. Make sure your visitors know what to do in an emergency
5. Decorations burn easily, don't attach them to heaters or lights
6. Be careful in the kitchen, especially with alcohol around
7. Never leave a cooker unattended
8. If you have any fireworks to celebrate with, be careful with them. Store them safely and have water on standby
9. Make sure cigarettes are completely out before going to bed
10. Check the battery on your smoke alarm and clear it of dust
11. Keep candles and matches away from children, don't leave either unattended
12. Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours - make sure they are safe at Christmas too

Mr Lucas added: "Having a safety conversation at home isn't boring, it's totally necessary. If you and your family have an active discussion about what to do should disaster strike, it means the likelihood of everyone getting out safe and well are far, far higher - and that's the most important thing.

"So what we are asking is that everyone places safety at the centre of their Christmas preparations, and that way hopefully everyone will have a happy and safe Christmas."

Pictured: A Guernsey Fire & Rescue infographic.