Stay fire safe this Christmas

Date:          14 December 2007

With the Christmas period approaching, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (NYFRS) is urging people to stay fire safe throughout the festive season.

At this time of year homes are often decorated with lights, decorations and candles. With appropriate care and attention, decorations and lights are safe to use. However, by this time last year, NYFRS had already attended five fires in the home, caused by Christmas lights or candles.
 
Station Manager Carl Boasman says: "Christmas is a time to celebrate with family and friends, but it's also a time to be vigilant. The main causes of fire in the home at this time of year are candles left unattended and Christmas tree lights left on for long periods, very often overnight. Thankfully no one was seriously injured by these fires last year, as early warning was given by smoke alarms."

Statistics show that people are 50% more likely to die in an accidental home fire during the Christmas period than at any other time of the year. Households can take some simple steps for a safe Christmas:

• Turn Christmas tree lights off at night. Remove the plug; remove the risk of a fire starting.
• Don't leave candles unattended. Keep them away from children.
• Don't overload electrical sockets.
• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on each floor level of your home. Don't take the batteries out to power Christmas toys.
• Extinguish cigarettes before going to bed.
• Get out alive.  Plan an escape route and make sure your family knows how to get out in event of fire.

Carl Boasman continues: "We want people to have a safe Christmas and New Year period. The Fire and Rescue Service offers a free Home Fire Safety Check, where staff will fit smoke alarms and give advice on fire safety. If you have been putting it off this year, make it your New Years resolution to get in touch with us."

For more information, visit http://www.northyorksfire.gov.uk/ or call the Fire Safety Hotline on 01609 788545.

ENDS