Celebrate Chinese New Year safely together
With celebrations taking place from 1 February to mark the Chinese New Year, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is giving advice for Chinese communities across Essex to celebrate safely.
While welcoming in the Year of the Tiger, it is important to take some simple precautions to celebrate and reduce the risk of fire.
Will Newman, Head of Prevention at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We hope our Chinese communities in Essex have a happy and enjoyable Chinese New Year. We understand that festivities are very special and it can be a very busy time for families, so we’re asking our communities to put fire safety at the top of the list while celebrating.
“Taking simple precautions such as blowing candles out or taking pans off the hob if you need to leave the room can greatly reduce the risk of fire. We'd strongly advise residents not to use sky lanterns at any time of the year but particularly during the windy weather we are experiencing in Essex at the moment.
"If you plan to use fireworks as part of your celebrations, please follow the Fireworks Code - you can find this on our website.”
The Service recommends residents should:
- Fit working smoke alarms on each floor level in your home. Consider buying an alarm with a ten year battery, otherwise change the battery every year in your alarm and test all alarms once a week
- Treat fireworks with great caution. Only buy fireworks marked with British Safety Standard 7114 and always read and follow the instructions
- Keep all candles at a safe distance from curtains, furniture and decorations. Long hair and clothing are also very flammable. Keep candles 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 and never throw water over the pan
- Avoid overloading electrical sockets. Try to remember, one plug - one socket. If you must have more plugs connected always use a fused adaptor
Please read our home fire safety advice booklet which is written in English and Chinese here.
Do you have working smoke alarms at home?
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service recommends residents have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home, and that you test them at least once a month. Smoke alarms save lives.
Buying and fitting smoke alarms, and ensuring they are properly maintained, could give you those precious extra minutes to escape safely in the event of a fire.
If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms, please get in touch. Visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book or call 0300 303 0088
