Don’t Let Fire Ruin Festive Cheer this Christmas

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Christmas dinner, wrapping presents, decorating your home – there’s lots to think about this Christmas. But one thing Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) are urging mid and west Wales residents to put top of their Christmas lists this year is fire safety.

 

While fire safety is vital throughout the year, the extra distractions of Christmas make it especially important to be vigilant during the festive season. This is why MAWWFRS is asking people to take extra care over the festive season to ensure that their families and loved ones are protected from fire.

 

Community Safety Watch Manager Dylan Owen Evans said: “Christmas is a time for festive cheer with family and friends. But fairy lights, candles and decorations mean it is also a time to take extra care to keep our loved ones safe from fire.

 

To ensure you have the merriest of Christmases, keep fire safety at the top of your list. Ensure you place candles in suitable holders and away from curtains, never leave cooking unattended and, of course, test your smoke alarms.

 

The colder weather brings its own menaces too. Take care when using portable heaters or open fires to keep warm.”

 

From everyone at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, we wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas.

 

MAWWFRS will be providing Home Fire Safety Advice at the following CETMA events over the Christmas period:

 

21st November- St Elli Centre, Llanelli

26th November- Tumble Hall. Tumble.

10th December- Glanamman.

11th December – Burry Port.

 

Here are some simple tips from the national fire safety campaign to help you and your family enjoy the joys of Christmas safely:

 

  • Ensure you have working smoke alarms installed on all levels of your home. Working alarms can give you the vital time needed to escape in a fire. Test your smoke alarms regularly and never remove batteries!

 

  • Never leave cooking unattended. The majority of fires start in the kitchen, so this is a high risk area. Many of us enjoy a merry tipple over the festive season but be sure to avoid cooking whilst under the influence of alcohol. Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.

 

  • Never leave burning candles unattended. Keep candles out of the reach of children, and away from decorations, cards and wrapping paper, fires, lights and heaters.

 

  • Put your cigarette out, right out. Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished and take care when under the influence of alcohol or tired. It’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and set furniture alight.

 

To arrange a free Home Fire Safety Check, please phone MAWWFRS on 0800 169 1234 or email hfsc@mawwfire.gov.uk


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