London Fire Brigade

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Londoners urged to remember festive fire safety

08 December 2008

As the Christmas break approaches, London Fire Brigade is warning the capital’s residents not to let their guard down and fall victim to fire.

For many people, the festive period is an opportunity to spend more time at home, use candles and fairy lights and have a few drinks, but all of these activities can increase the risk of fire.

“Londoners celebrating Christmas can ensure they have a great time and stay safe by following some very simple advice,” says London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner for Community Safety Andy Barrett, “The holiday is a great opportunity to make sure your home, and the homes of friends and family, are safe. You could even give a smoke alarm as a stocking filler – there aren’t many presents that cost £5 but could save a life.”Assistant Commissioner Barrett’s top festive fire safety tips:

  • Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard and are in good working order. Always switch off and unplug Christmas lights before you go to bed or go out.
  • Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings and never leave them burning unattended.
  • 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.
  • Make a fire action plan so that everyone in your home knows how to escape if there is a fire.
  • Decorations can burn easily - don't attach them to lights or heaters.
  • 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.
  • Many fires start in the kitchen - never leave cooking unattended.
  • If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks make sure you follow the firework code
  • Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished and never smoke in bed, many fires start when people fall asleep while smoking
  • Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of children.
  • Make sure your home has working smoke alarms and check them regularly.
  • 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. Call 08000 28 44 28 to set up a visit.

Assistant Commissioner Barrett added: “Older people who live alone and have reduced mobility are more likely to be hurt in a fire. Why not use the festive period as an opportunity to visit an older relative or neighbour and make sure they are fire safe, or encourage them to call us and arrange a free home fire safety visit.”