12 days of Christmas fire safety

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has issued fire safety guidelines in the run up to the festive period.

During the 12 days of Christmas in 2007/8 the service attended 12 accidental fires at homes in Rochdale, in which there were four casualties.

County Fire Officer Barry Dixon said: “A fire in your home is a terrible experience but to have one during the Christmas period is particularly distressing. There is far more potential for a fire during this period due to candles being lit, decorative lights being used and extra cooking in the home. Planning for Christmas is a busy time but people still need to take a few precautions around the home in order to ensure they have a safe and happy festive period.”

The fire service has issued the following safety advice:

On the 1st day of Christmas – Make sure you test your smoke alarm and if you or anyone you know haven’t already got one why not buy one as stocking filler – and make sure you have one properly fitted on each level of your home? Don’t be tempted to remove the batteries to power a Christmas present!

On the 2nd day of Christmas - Check your Christmas tree lights, make sure the wiring isn’t split and check they conform to a British Standard. In addition check you have the correct fuse. Always switch them off and unplug them when you go to bed or leave the house.

On the 3rd day of Christmas - Never leave candles burning whilst unattended and make sure they are on a non flammable base, keep them clear of your Christmas tree, any decorations and your furnishings.

On the 4th day of Christmas - Make sure you, your family and any guests that may be staying are aware of what they need to do in the event of a fire. Make a fire escape plan.

On the 5th day of Christmas - Never overload electrical sockets – if you are using decorative lights outside your house make sure they conform to the British Standard and fit them with a ‘Residual Current Device’ or RCD (a safety device which is designed to instantly switch them off if there is a fault).

On the 6th day of Christmas – Never leave cooking unattended - a moments distraction can lead to damage in your home to the value of thousands of pounds – or in the worst case a tragedy.

On the 7th day of Christmas – If you are planning to have fireworks as part of your celebrations, keep to the firework safety code, make sure they are kept in a metal box and never go back to a lit firework.

On the 8th day of Christmas – Make sure that candles and cigarettes are properly extinguished before you go to bed. Fires caused by cigarettes kill more people than any other cause.

On the 9th day of Christmas – Never place candles or any other naked flame near a Christmas tree. As your tree begins to dry out it becomes highly flammable.

On the 10th day of Christmas – Keep matches and lighters well away from children.

On the 11th day of Christmas – Make sure all those newly acquired videos and DVD’s are stored away in a cupboard. If a fire does start they are highly flammable and give off intense amounts of heat.

On the 12th day of Christmas - Keep an eye on the elderly, particularly if we are going through a cold snap. Make sure they are safe from fire and if you have concerns about them contact our Home Fire Risk Assessment hotline for a free fire safety check on 0800 555 815 or visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk.