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| Candles |
Residents in the New Forest are being urged to celebrate
safely for a fire-free Christmas and New Year.
During the festive season hundreds of people in the UK are injured
in fire related accidents in the home, and ten per cent of all
fire related deaths occur in December.
Candles, decorative lights, extra heating, smoking and drinking
all increase the risk of causing a domestic fire.
New Forest District Council has the following guidelines for
a safe and enjoyable Christmas:
- Always put candles in suitable holders on a firm surface
and away from furniture, curtains and decorations
- Never leave burning candles unattended
- Before going to bed or leaving the house, ensure all candles,
incense burners and smoking materials are properly extinguished
- Never overload electrical sockets
- Before hanging festive lights ensure they are working correctly
- Check that plugs are fitted with the correct fuses
- Check the condition of decorative lights. If the insulation
is worn or the wiring damaged, get new lights.
- Never use indoor lights outside even if you think they are
safe from the weather
- Fit smoke alarms on each floor of the home and test them
regularly
Cllr Goff Beck, portfolio holder for crime and disorder at New
Forest District Council, said people should be extra vigilant
over the Christmas period.
"People tend to spend more time at home during Christmas and
so the risk of domestic fires increases," he said. We don't want fire to spoil anybody's festivities so by following
a few simple steps residents can make Christmas much safer for
their families and themselves. Domestic fires are always tragic, but they seem to affect people
much more when they happen at Christmas. Knowing the risks and following this important advice will
help ensure accidents are kept to a minimum and that Christmas
will remain a time for celebration.”
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