The fire dangers of alcohol

Before relaxing and enjoying a drink this festive season it is worth considering that almost one third of fatal fires in Londoners homes are alcohol related.

And we are now heading into the high risk period with many house fires taking place in the colder months or when people have been celebrating.

Safety advice

Enjoy yourself over the festive season but tragedy can be avoided by following some simple advice:

• 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.
• Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished and never smoke in bed, fires start when people who have been drinking fall asleep while smoking or forget to extinguish cigarettes.
• Drinking and naked flames like candles shouldn’t mix.
• Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks..
• Alcohol may affect your judgement - don’t take risks by tackling a fire. Get out, stay out and dial 999.
• Many fire deaths including alcohol as a contributing factor involve people who may live alone or have alcohol problems. If you have friends or relatives like this pay them a visit and make sure their homes are safe from fire. 
• Don’t forget – a smoke alarm can buy you valuable seconds to escape if a fire starts. Every home should have at least one alarm, checked every week to ensure it’s working.