The impact of ANY fire can be devastating. During the pandemic, having to cope with the devastating impact of a fire would be the last thing anyone needs. Fire kills. Fact. In 2018-19 fire and rescue services attended 182,491 fires in England; 48% without smoke alarms and these fires killed 285 people and injured 6,271.
The highest degree of management control is needed to ensure that all fire protection arrangements are effective, and staff actions in an emergency are clearly understood and implemented.
Each year, the costs as a consequence of fire, including property damage, human casualties and lost business, are estimated at over £9 billion. The costs of a serious fire can be high; 1 in 7 businesses cease to trade following a significant fire.
Fire can happen at anytime and Christmas is no exception. It can be such a magical time. Your home could be full of people and in all the excitement, where accidents can very easily happen.
By following some sensible precautions, such as checking fairy lights for obvious signs of damage, everyone can switch on safely and sparkle!
Here’s our top preventing fire Christmas safety tips to help prevent your festivities being cut short:
- Make sure you buy children’s gifts for the correct age group and from reputable sources that comply with standards (e.g. The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011), especially electrical gifts to avoid short circuiting or blowing a fuse
- Remember to buy batteries for toys that need them – that way you won’t be tempted to remove batteries from smoke alarms
- Keep decorations and cards away from fires and other heat sources such as light fittings.
- Don’t leave burning candles unattended, make sure you put them out before going to bed and do not put candles on Christmas trees
- If you have old Christmas lights, seriously consider buying new ones, which will meet much higher safety standards. Keep the lights switched off until the Christmas tree is decorated, don’t let children play with lights, and remember to switch off the lights when going out of the house or going to bed
- Give yourself enough time to prepare and cook Christmas dinner to avoid hot fat and gas stove accidents that come from rushing and keep anyone not helping with dinner out of the kitchen. Wipe up any spills quickly
- Plan New Year fireworks parties well in advance and follow the Firework Safety Code
Further information on our Fire Safety courses can be found here or to book onto our next course click here
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