Don’t let Christmas joy turn to Yuletide tragedy – follow our straightforward safety guidelines, says West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service.

Last year, Fire and Rescue Services in the UK attended 167 accidental house fires a day in December. During the month, such fires kill on average 44 people and injure over 1135.

Martin Burrell , County Fire Officer Said: “Over the Christmas and New Year period people spend more time at home, traditionally with a lot more guests and while people are relaxing with friends and family, everyday fire risks increase. People are more likely to be distracted and more vulnerable to accidental fires.

“Christmas trees, fairy lights, candles and drinking alcohol while cooking and smoking all pose fire risks during the festive period, but by taking a few simple steps this Christmas, fire risks can be reduced around the home and everybody can enjoy a happy and fire safe Christmas."

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service says:

DO:

• Ensure you check smoke alarms in your home are working by pushing the test button
• Check them on a weekly basis and do not be tempted to remove batteries to power any Christmas presents or other devices.
• Plan your escape route for the event of fire and ensure all your guests know where the door and window keys are kept.
• Make sure the correct fuse is used for any electrical appliance. (Refer to manufacturers recommendation.)
• Replace christmas light bulbs if they blow and always switch the lights off before doing so.
• If christmas light fuses blow, always use the correct fuse for the set of lights. Do not replace the fuse bulb with a normal standard bulb as this may cause them to overheat.
• Do not wire multiple sets of lights into the same plug. Use a fused strip extension lead.
• If you are putting lights outside, make sure they are designed for outdoor use.
• Put candles in proper holders so that they cannot fall over.
• Keep Christmas decorations, cards and wrapping paper away from candles, open fires and heaters.
• Make sure smokers put their cigarettes right out.
• Make sure all cigarettes are extinguished before emptying ashtrays.
• Take extra care after drinking alcohol.

DON’T:

• Be distracted when cooking, fire starts when your attention stops.
• Leave fairy lights switched on when you go out or to bed.
• Let bulbs touch anything that can burn easily like paper or fabrics.
• Leave candles unattended.

David Dewdney , County Council Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “We want everyone to enjoy Christmas and New Year – a time when we can relax and enjoy being with friends and family. We all like fairy lights, decorations and candles - but they can all be potential fire hazards, however, by taking the few simple precautions outlined by our Fire and Rescue Service you can reduce the risks for yourself and your family. In particular, I would especially urge everyone to ensure that they have a working smoke alarm installed on each floor level in their home.”

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