Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service launch “6 Sense” Christmas safety campaign

Dec 8 2009 Chester Chronicle

CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has launched its Christmas safety campaign in Cheshire West & Chester.

As the countdown to the festive season starts, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to stay safe and protect their family and home from fire over Christmas and New Year by following some top safety tips released as part of their 6 Sense Christmas campaign.

Residents are also invited to enter a competition to win a family ticket to Chester Zoo and have lunch in the on site restaurant. To enter, residents should visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk.

The service has also promoted the campaign on key radio stations.

The 6 Sense Christmas campaign focuses on six key messages:

PLAN

∙ Inform guests of the best route to escape just in case

∙ Take special care of elderly people and children

∙ Make sure all exit routes are clear.

TEST

∙ Test the batteries in your smoke alarm every week

∙ Do not cover smoke alarms with any decorations

CHECK

∙ Check fairy lights are in good working order and replace any bulbs that blow

∙ Do not overload plug sockets

∙ Don’t let bulbs touch anything that can burn easily

∙ Unplug lights when not in use

CARE

∙ Avoid leaving children in the kitchen when cooking is on

∙ Keep matches and saucepan handles out of children’s reach

∙ Put candles out before going to bed

CLOSE

∙ Close all doors at night or when you leave the house

CALL ‘999’

∙ In the event of a fire – GET OUT, STAY OUT, CALL 999

Councillor David Topping, chair of the Fire Authority, said: “Christmas and New Year is a great time to have fun with family and friends but unfortunately fires can easily start if people don’t take enough care.

“Therefore I recommend that we all follow the simple fire safety tips in the 6 Sense campaign so that everyone can enjoy the festivities in total safety at this special time.”

John Salt, unitary performance manager for Cheshire West & Chester, said: “Many of the things we enjoy during this festive period such as Christmas trees, fairy lights, candles, paper hats and decorations can all be fire hazards when proper care is not taken.

“Unfortunately, national statistics show that you are 50% more likely to die in an accidental house fire during the Christmas period than at any other time of the year.

“Therefore it is vital that Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service reminds people to take extra care during Christmas and New Year celebrations which is why we have launched this powerful campaign.”

Residents can also register to have a free home safety assessment carried out at their home which involves a fire officer visiting to check for any fire risks and installing free working smoke alarms on each level of your home.

Residents can register online for an assessment – www.cheshirefire.gov.uk.

Also there is a two minute clip on the webcasts section of the Service’s website – www.cheshirefire.gov.uk which gives Christmas fire safety advice to ensure that residents can enjoy the festivities safely.