Tuesday 4th December 2012



Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is launching a campaign to remind Derbyshire residents to keep safe during Christmas and New Year.

The festive season sees an increase in accidental fires in the home.

The distraction of a crowded house and celebrations can often result in cooking and candles being left unattended.

Decorations are often flammable and wrapping papers can add extra fuel to a fire sparked by overheated sockets or faulty fairy lights.

And, did you know faulty tree lights can cause a Christmas tree fire which can destroy a room in a matter of seconds? See the 'Fire Kills Cmpaign' YouTuve video below...

DFRS is unsurprisingly now reminding people to take extra care as they get into the festive spirit this year and to follow their 12 Days of Christmas, fire safety tips:

• On the 1st day of Christmas...
  Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use a residual current device (safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off power) on outdoor electrical equipment.
  
  
• On the 2nd day of Christmas...
  Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings.
  
  
• On the 3rd day of Christmas...
  Make sure family and visitors staying for the festive period, know what to do in an emergency. Make a fire escape plan.
  
  
• On the 4th day of Christmas...
  Decorations can burn easily - don't attach them to lights or heaters.
  
  
• On the 5th day of Christmas...
  Never overload electrical sockets. Take special care with Christmas lights. Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed.
  
  
• On the 6th day of Christmas...
  Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.
  
  
• On the 7th day of Christmas...
  Most fires start in the kitchen - never leave a cooker unattended.
  
  
• On the 8th day of Christmas...
  If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.
  
  
• On the 9th day of Christmas...
  Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished before going to bed.
  
  
• On the 10th day of Christmas...
  Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.
  
  
• On the 11th day of Christmas...
  Keep candles, lighters and matches out of the reach of children. Never leave burning candles unattended.
  
  
• On the 12th day of Christmas...
  Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas - make sure they are fire safe.

Firefighters and Community Safety Officers will be out and about in Derbyshire throughout December, handing out leaflets and talking to people about fire safety at the following times and locations:

• 4th, Co-op Killamarsh
• 6th, Derby Royal Hospital
• 7th, Tesco Extra, Chesterfield
• 8th, Tansley Christmas Market, Tansley
• 9th between 11.00 and 14.00, ASDA Spondon
• 11th between 10.00 and 14.00, Westfield shopping Centre, Derby
• 11th between 10.00 and 16.00, Sainsbury’s Swadlincote
• 13th between 10.00 and 14.00 and
  16.00 and 20.00 Westfield Shopping Centre, Derby
• 14th between 10.00 and 15.00, ASDA Sinfin
• 17th, Derby Royal Hospital
• 18th between 10.00 and 14.00, Westfield Shopping Centre, Derby
• 19th between 10.00 and 13.30, Over 50’s Centre, Eagle Centre Market
• 20th between 10.00 and 14.00 and 16.00 and 20.00 Westfield Shopping Centre, Derby
• Further dates at Tesco, Ilkeston and Tesco, Long Eaton are to be confirmed.

Station Manager, Alan Richmond said "Christmas is a time for celebrating with family and friends and we want to keep it that way.

"By being aware of potential risks and making a few simple checks, you can ensure that you and your family can celebrate safely this festive season."

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