"Tis the season to be jolly" West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service wishes every one a happy and more importantly safe Christmas.

Statistics show that more people die in house fires at Christmas time ,than in any other period during the year. Remember this Christmas for all the right reasons. Celebrate safely and follow these basic safety messages.

The 12 Days of Christmas Fire Safety

On the 1st day of Christmas - Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard.

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 guests staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency. .

On the 4th day of Christmas - Decorations can burn easily - Don't attach them to lights or heaters.

On the 5th day of Christmas - Never overload electrical sockets . Take special care with Christmas lights.

On the 6th day of Christmas - Most fires start in the kitchen - never leave a cooker unattended.

On the 7th 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 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 you have a working smoke alarm .

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 - Make sure candles and cigarettes are completely extinguished before going to bed. Keep matches and lighters away from children.

On the 12th day of Christmas - Take a second to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas - make sure they are fire safe.

More information on safety at Christmas >> click here

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL AT WEST SUSSEX FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE.