Date Added: 12/9/2008
Updated: 20081209083352
Posted by:
 administrator
 David.Birrellfife.gov.uk

Author/Source:
J. France

Viewed: 2150 times

Have a Safe and Happy Christmas

Merry Christmas! What picture does that conjure up to you? Warmth and cheer? Good fun, good food and romantic settings? Christmas trees and decorated tables? Log fires?  Sadly this Christmas many people will have the warmth and the fire but not the cheer and good fun to go with it. Every year In Britain there are over 55,000 house fires resulting in over 600 deaths and 11,000 injuries. Many of these will occur over the festive period when safety issues are not foremost on people’s mind. The main causes of accidental fires in the home are smoking materials (cigarettes, matches etc) and chip/grill pans. Obviously these can be a problem at any time of the year but the carefree attitude found around Christmas (aided no doubt by plenty of Christmas spirits) means the chances of a fire being stared are increased. Usually there is a lot of paper and cardboard around from presents and cards so if a fire starts there will be plenty of material to fuel it. Christmas and candles seem to go together. There are many decorative ones available – santas and snowmen for ledges and fireplaces; those with decorative bases and holders for table centrepieces – nice to look at but easy to knock over.  The table may also be full of flammable materials such as napkins, crackers and paper hats so it wouldn’t take much to flambé the tablecloth rather than the dessert. We don’t need to be Scrooges though. With a little bit of care we can still have the festive atmosphere without things becoming too hot to handle e.g. 

X    Don’t leave candles unattended at any time.

X    Don’t leave tree lights on when you are out or in bed.

ü       Do keep children and pets away from lit candles.

ü       Do fit a smoke alarm – and make sure the batteries are working.

X    Don’t leave lots of paper and cardboard lying around.

X    Don’t fill a chip pan more than a third full of fat and never leave it unattended.

ü       Do take extra care with cigarettes  - make sure they are put out properly and keep lighters and matches away from children.

ü       Do remember alcohol can cloud your judgement  - things may not be as safe as you might   think. 

And Don’t forget, Do have a Safe and Merry Christmas!