Video: Fire service safety advice

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Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is advising people to stay safe this Christmas after dealing with a number seasonal fires.

Fires involving Christmas decorations and candles are just some of the incidents fire-fighters have been out to so far this December.

Chairman of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton said: "We want our communities to enjoy the festive season and our advice isn't about taking away from anyone's fun - we want people to keep some small things in mind that could help them stay safe.

"Of course, our fire-fighters will always be there to do a thorough and professional job if you need to call on us but we don't want you to have to call on us in the first place.

"The tips here are just one or two small changes that can save lives." 

Advice for staying safe during the festive season: 

• Ensure you have a working smoke alarm installed on all levels of your home. A working alarm can give you the vital time needed to escape in a fire. Test your smoke alarms regularly - and never remove batteries to power presents.
• Never leave cooking unattended. The majority of fires start in the kitchen so this is a high risk area. Avoid cooking while under the influence of alcohol and always turn off kitchen appliances when finished with them.
• Never leave candles unattended. Keep candles in a proper holder, out of the reach of children and away from decorations, cards and wrapping paper, fires, lights and heaters.
• Put your cigarette out - right out. Make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take care when drunk or tired. It's very easy to fall asleep while a cigarette is still burning and set furniture alight.
• Don't overload sockets - ensure only one plug per socket. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers.
• Ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed, or leave the house. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598).
• Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment. This safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store.
• Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire - in the event of fire: get out, stay out and call 999.