Festive Fire Safety

Head of Risk Reduction, Ian Sloss said: "More accidental house fires happen in December than at any other time of the year, which is why it's so important to consider fire safety. We don't want families to have their Christmas spoilt because their house has burnt down or even worse a loved one has died in a house fire.

"We tend to see an increase in fires at Christmas because there are extra distractions and more fire hazards. Our main advice is to ensure you buy British Standard fairy lights, place candles in holders and away from curtains, never leave cooking unattended and of course, check your smoke alarms are working.

"Another thing we tend to notice at Christmas is people taking batteries out of a smoke alarms where possible to do so power Christmas presents. This is never a good idea as it means you don't have a working smoke alarm which could ultimately cost you your life."

Festive Fire Safety Tips

• Most fires start in the kitchen so it's important to never leave cooking unattended. Make sure you turn off your oven and stove when you have finished preparing the meal.
• With so much going on, it's easy to miss some common risks.  Make sure children aren't in the kitchen when you're cooking and ensure that matches and lighters are out of reach.
• Keep decorations, cards and wrapping paper away from candles, fires, lights and heaters. Never leave candles unattended and take extra care when drinking alcohol.
• Ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed, or leave the house. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598).
• Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment (a safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault).
• Don't overload sockets - ensure only one plug per socket. Make sure plugs are turned off when they are not in use.
• Make sure cigarettes are extinguished properly and refrain from smoking in bed.
• Take time to check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas, as they are at greater risk from fire.
• To book a free Home Fire Risk Check, call 0800 0241 999 - this can be for your own home or on behalf of a relative, friend or neighbour.
• And finally …ensure you have a working smoke alarm installed on all levels of your home. Push the Button on a weekly basis and ensure you don't remove smoke alarm batteries to power presents.

To book a free Home Fire Risk Check contact: 0800 0241 999.  You can also book online at http://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/bookyourhfrc.asp.

For all other non-emergency enquiries contact: 08451 22 11 55 or log onto: www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk or www.direct.gov.uk/firekills.

In an emergency dial 999.

Break down of total incidents by area:
Stoke-on-Trent - 28%
Newcastle - 11%
Moorlands - 12%
Lichfield - 5%
Cannock - 10%
East Staffordshire - 7%
South Staffordshire - 15%
Stafford - 7%
Tamworth - 5%