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Residents in the New Forest are being urged to celebrate
safely for a fire-free Christmas and New Year.
During the festive season hundreds of people in the UK
are injured in fire related accidents in the home, and
ten per cent of all fire related deaths occur in December.
Candles, decorative lights, extra heating, smoking and
drinking all increase the risk of causing a domestic fire.
New Forest District Council has the following guidelines
for a safe and enjoyable Christmas:
- Always
put candles in suitable holders on a firm surface and away
from furniture, curtains and decorations
- Never leave burning candles unattended
- Before going to bed or leaving the house, ensure all
candles, incense burners and smoking materials are properly
extinguished
- Never overload electrical sockets
- Before hanging festive lights ensure they are working
correctly
- Check that plugs are fitted with the correct fuses
- Check the condition of decorative lights. If the insulation
is worn or the wiring damaged, get new lights.
- Never use indoor lights outside even if you think they
are safe from the weather
- Fit smoke alarms on each floor of the home and test
them regularly
Cllr Goff Beck, portfolio holder for crime and disorder
at New Forest District Council, said people should be extra
vigilant over the Christmas period.
"People tend to spend more time at home during Christmas
and so the risk of domestic fires increases," he said.
"We don't want fire to spoil anybody's festivities so
by following a few simple steps residents can make Christmas
much safer for their families and themselves.
"Domestic fires are always tragic, but they seem to affect
people much more when they happen at Christmas.
"Knowing the risks and following this important advice
will help ensure accidents are kept to a minimum and that
Christmas will remain a time for celebration.” |
