Chiswick Fire Fighters advise caution this Christmas

New local initiative aimed at fire prevention

We all know that the Fire Brigade is there to put out fires, but how many know that they are also there to give FREE advice on how to prevent the fires occurring in the first place?

Following reports that last weekend’s tragic fire, which took the lives of five family members, was caused by Christmas lights, it is imperative that the local fire fighters get their prevention message across to the community.

Nigel Murray of Chiswick Fire Station told ChiswickW4.com “We are really keen to get the message out to the community that we are here, willing and able, to provide advice on fire prevention. We can visit residents in their homes to advise them on fire escape routes and fire hazards.”

With Christmas already upon us, Chiswick Fire Station has compiled a condensed guide to ensuring that your home is safe from fire hazards:

Christmas: Why do you need to think about fire safety when you just want to relax and enjoy yourself? Times when people get together and celebrate are times when there are more deaths and injuries from fires. You're relaxed or distracted, you're cooking in a rush, there are more people than usual in your home or people are drinking or smoking are all reasons to be more alert to dangers.

Celebrate Safely: When you have people round for a party or some other occasion, think ahead. If you have guests staying the night, make sure they know how to escape safely. Let guests know of any features they may not be familiar with - for example, how to open the front door. Tell guests where the door keys are. Take particular care of elderly people, children and people with disabilities. If there are smokers put out enough ashtrays, so ash or butts don't get dropped in places like waste paper bins.

Lights: Fairy lights, Christmas tree lights, multiple sets of lights and other kinds of decorative lights get used less often than your everyday lights therefore they need more care. Check the fuses are the right type (see the box for the maximum size of fuse you should use). If bulbs blow, replace them. Don't leave fairy lights on when you go out or when you go to sleep. Don't let the bulbs touch anything that can burn easily, like paper and don't overload sockets.
Decorations: made of light tissue paper or cardboard burn easily. Don't attach them to lights or heaters and don't put them immediately above or around the fireplace. Keep them away from candles.

Candles: are a growing cause of fire. Every year people are killed and injured because they were careless with one. Candles are naked flames, and they need to be treated with respect. Don't leave them burning in a room with no one in it. Don't put them in or by a Christmas tree, plants, flowers or foliage. Ribbons and other decorations around the candle holder could also catch fire. Make sure they're in holders that won't fall over. Put night lights or tea lights on a heat-resistant surface. Keep them away from curtains and furniture, and not under a surface, like a shelf. Don't put them where they could be knocked over easily or where people could burn their clothes or hair on them. Make sure they're completely out - not smouldering.

Electricity: is everywhere in our homes and it only takes one old or poorly wired plug to prove just how powerful it is. The wires don't even need to touch for a spark to jump and a fire to start.

Chiswick’s Fire Prevention team is able to provide a comprehensive advice service to all local residents and, in some instances, also install prevention equipment such as smoke alarms.

December 21, 2005

December 21, 2005