Fire Safety Tips at Christmas from RANA - 25/11/2011

During the lead up to Christmas the risk of fire can be increased with the introduction into the workplace and home of Christmas trees, decorations, electrical equipment, parcels, packaging materials that can all be fire hazards when proper care is not taken.

 RANA risk management would like to remind people to take extra care during Christmas and New Year celebrations and offer the 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 should preferably be non-flammable or flame-retardant treated. - 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. Avoid overloading electrical sockets.
6. Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed - never leave cooking unattended.
7. 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.
8. Wrapping paper and packaging should not be allowed to accumulate and should be properly disposed of at regular intervals.
9. Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.
10.  Avoid trailing flexes and cables across floors where they can be easily damaged or cause trip hazards.
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 & 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. May we, from RANA risk management, wish you a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.