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Christmas Safety
The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service would like
to remind people to take extra care during Christmas and New Year
celebrations.
Many of the things we enjoy during this festive
period, such as the fairy lights, candles, paper hats and decorations, can
all be fire hazards when proper care is not taken.
National statistics show that you are 50% more likely to die in an
accidental house fire during the Christmas period than at any other time of
the year.
Safety Tips
We are urging people to stay safe and protect their
homes from fire by following twelve tips for festive fire safety:
- 1. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the
British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment
(safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the
power).
-
2.
Never place candles near your Christmas tree or
furnishings. Don't leave them burning unattended.
- 3. Make sure your family and visitors staying for
the festive period know what to do in an emergency. Practice a fire
escape plan.
- 4. Decorations can burn easily - Don't attach them
to lights or heaters.
- 5. Switch off electrical appliances when not in use,
unless they're designed to stay on. Take special care with Christmas
lights. Always switch off and unplug Christmas lights before you go to
bed.
-
- 6. Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risk
of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is
consumed.
- 7. Most fires start in the kitchen - never leave
cooking unattended.
- 8. If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks,
store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit
firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.
- 9. Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.
- 10. Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week
and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.
- 11. Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach
of children.
- 12. Take the time to check on elderly relatives and
neighbours this Christmas - make sure they are fire safe.
Christmas and New Year celebrations are times to have
fun with family and friends, so follow our simple fire safety tips to keep
everyone safe to enjoy the festivities.
Finally, as in every season, have
working and tested smoke alarms
installed on every level of your home, test them once a week and keep them
clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to
call for help. And remember to practice your home escape
plan.
Please have a safe
Fire free Christmas and a prosperous New year...
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12 days of Christmas PDF
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of Man Fire and Rescue Service Christmas Poster
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