London's Firefighters Urge Londoners To Stay Safe This Christmas
The Brigade has just released new figures which show that electrical problems, such as overloaded plug sockets, and candles, cause more house fires in London in December, than in any other month.
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner for Community Safety, Andy Hickmott, said: "We want everyone to have a happy Christmas but would like to remind people to be careful.
It's tempting to plug several sets of fairy lights and other electrical equipment into one socket but I'd really advise against that. Sockets can quickly overheat and this can lead to serious fires".
Assistant Commissioner Hickmott also warned about the dangers of candles: "Candles look great, especially at this time of year, but they can be lethal if not used with care. Quite simply, candles left unattended can be a disaster waiting to happen, especially if you leave them near to flammable items like curtains or even Christmas trees".
AC Hickmott went on to say: "Be aware of the fire risks in your home - that way you can ensure Santa is the only one to visit your home this Christmas, and not the Brigade".
The Brigade's new Christmas campaign was launched on 15th December in Trafalgar Square. Firefighters revealed a giant, smoking, overloaded plug socket to members of the public to remind people of the dangers. They also handed out leaflets explaining how people can use candles and sockets safely.
The new Christmas safety campaign coincides with the launch of new fire safety posters, features candles and overloaded plug sockets, which will appear in each of London's 112 fire stations in December.
For further information, visit www.london-fire.gov.uk
Christmas fire safety tips:
1. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard and are in good working order.
2. Always switch off and unplug Christmas lights before you go to bed or go out.
3. Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings and never leave them burning unattended.
4. Make sure your family, and any visitors staying for the festive period, know what to do in an emergency. Tell them where you keep door and window keys so they can escape if a fire starts.
5. Make a fire action plan so that everyone in your home knows how to escape if there is a fire.
6. Decorations can burn easily - don't attach them to lights or heaters.
7. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed, so take care it you're having a few festive drinks.
8. Many fires start in the kitchen - never leave cooking unattended.
9. If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks make sure you follow the firework code
10. Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished and never smoke in bed, many fires start when people fall asleep while smoking
11. Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of children.
12. Make sure your home has working smoke alarms and check them regularly.
13. Arrange a free home fire safety visit. Local firefighters will visit your home, chat to you about how you can prevent fires, and fit free smoke alarms if you need them.
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