Press release
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Don’t let fire actually ruin your Christmas

Merry Christmas

It’s that time of year again - love (and Christmas spirit) is all around! But Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is here to remind you that while the season may be merry, a little carelessness could turn your Christmas into a festive fiasco. So, grab your cue cards, switch on your fairy lights, and read on for some Love Actually-inspired fire safety tips.

Andrea MacAlister, Head of Prevention at ECFRS, says, “Christmas is the perfect time to be surrounded by the people you love, but let’s make sure your home isn’t surrounded by flashing blue lights!”

Here are ECFRS’s top tips to help keep your loved ones safe this Christmas:

  1. “To me, you are perfect”... smoke alarms
    Your smoke alarms are your unsung Christmas heroes - make sure they’re working perfectly! Test them regularly, and never remove the batteries. 
  2. “If you really love Christmas, come on... and stay alert in the kitchen”
    Most house fires start in the kitchen, so don’t be a distracted chef. If you’re feeling a bit Colin “God of snacks”, avoid cooking under the influence and always turn off appliances once you’re done.
  3. “I’ll hold the candles”- responsibly, that is
    Candles can add some serious Christmas magic, but keep them far from flammable items like decorations, curtains, soft furnishings and wrapping paper. Never leave candles unattended.
  4. “All I want for Christmas is you (to keep heaters away from decorations)”
    Portable heaters and open fires may create a lovely cozy glow, but they’re also fire hazards. Keep them clear of furniture, curtains, and clothes. And never use a heater to dry clothing - no one wants their Christmas jumper up in flames.
  5. “Overloaded electrical sockets? Just say…it’s not a good idea”
    Like an overcrowded Heathrow arrivals gate, overloaded sockets can lead to chaos. Plug one item into each socket and avoid the temptation to multitask your plugs.
  6. “Christmas Lights... actually need to be safe”
    Your fairy lights might be dazzling, but turn them off before bed or when leaving the house. Check that they meet British Standards (BS EN 60598) so your Christmas doesn’t turn into Fire Actually.
  7. “Help the ones you love actually stay safe”
    Show your Christmas spirit by helping older relatives or neighbours check their smoke alarms. Because nothing says “I love you” quite like working smoke alarms.

Andrea adds, “Remember, just like love, fire safety is actually all around. Take a moment to plan ahead, so you can focus on what matters most - spending time with loved ones.” 

For tailored fire safety advice for your home, visit www.essex-fire.gov.uk/online to complete an online home fire safety check.

 From all of us at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, we wish you a very safe and fire-free Christmas.

 

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