PRESS RELEASE
December 11th 2008 Winter Fire Safety Campaign
Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service are warning residents to protect themselves this winter. The best way for you to protect yourself and your home is to have a smoke alarm and to test the battery every week. To get a free one fitted with 10 year batteries, call 0800 169 0320 for a free Home Safety Check carried out by local firefighters. Merry Christmas from Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service If you celebrate Christmas, it will now be taking its usual toll on your mind. Presents, visiting family, over excited kids, cooking, candles, decorations, alcohol - certainly a perfect mix for a great time, but sadly it’s also a perfect mix for a devastating accident. Community Safety Manager for the Service, Geoff Aird, said, “Distractions are rife over Christmas and all it takes is one silly mistake, such as getting distracted whilst cooking, placing candles on an unsteady, flammable surface or near decorations, forgetting to turn off the tree lights, children running around not taking care, even friends over who are smoking and they don’t extinguish their cigarette properly or fall asleep in their chair after a few glasses of wine whilst still holding a cigarette. “Fire can get out of control surprisingly fast, so act on our suggestions, and hopefully your celebrations won’t be cut short. However accidents do happen and if a fire does start in your home get out of the house, stay out and get us out by calling 999.” When using decorative Lights check the maximum amps that can be handled by the fuse in the plug. If any bulbs blow, replace them. Turn decorative lights off at night and when you go out, and when they are switched on make sure no bulbs touch anything that can burn easily like paper or fabrics Candles are very popular over the festive period. Whether they are used as decorations or for their scent, whether they are long candles or tea lights, do not leave them unattended. Set them up on a heat resistant surface – not on top of the TV or the bath which are very flammable - and when you leave the room or head off to bed check they are properly extinguished.
Paper decorations burn easily, keep decorations and greetings cards away from heaters, lights, the fireplace and candles. A time when it’s very easy to forget fire safety is during a party. However having many people in your home can add to the dangers, especially if they are not careful or alcohol is involved! Remember to let your guests know where to find the door and window keys if they are staying overnight. Make sure exits are kept clear, and plan an escape route. If people are smoking provide extra ashtrays and make sure all cigarettes are put out properly. It is much safer to ask people to smoke outdoors. Most importantly have fun over this festive period, and remember that a few minutes thought to the points outlined above can do wonders for your safety and your peace of mind! Winter Fire Safety A common mistake to make is to set fire to clothes or other materials when trying to dry them. During winter, it’s hard to get wet laundry dried, but don’t ever dry anything by hanging it over the cooker, in front of a fire and certainly not draped on electric heaters. This is a major fire hazard. Geoff said, “If you use a tumble dryer of any kind never switch it on and go out or to bed, and the same goes for your washing machine and dishwasher. All of these appliances can catch fire and therefore shouldn’t be left unattended for long periods.” To arrange a free Home Safety Check by local Firefighters, with the fitting of a free smoke detector with 10 year batteries as required, contact us on 0800 169 0320 or for fire safety advice visit our website www.lbfire.org.uk