The year of the Rat! - 23/01/2020

Chinese New Year Safety Advice 

Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. Chinese New Year 2020 - The Year of the Rat - it begins on the 25th January and last for 7 days.

With people spending more time at home - cooking while entertaining or relaxing with family or friends, the risk of fire increases. People are more likely to be distracted during this time of year and therefore more vulnerable to fire.

By taking just a few simple precautions you can greatly reduce the risk of fire.

Safety Advice

• Ensure your smoke alarms, on each floor level in your home, are working. Consider buying a ten year alarm - otherwise test the alarm once a week and change the batteries every year.
• Treat fireworks with great caution. Only buy fireworks marked with British Safety Standard 7114 and always read the instructions.
• At all times, keep flames from candles at a safe distance from curtains, furniture and decorations. Long hair and clothing are also very flammable.
• Keep the flame out of reach of children and animals. Children should be supervised at all times near flames.
• When cooking deep-fried food, dry it before you put it in the hot oil. If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave the pan to cool. Never fill the pan more than one-third full of oil. Never throw water over the pan.
• Turn off and unplug all electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on.
• Avoid overloading electrical sockets. Try to remember, one plug - one socket. If you must have more plugs connected always use a fused adaptor.