Fire service's 12 days of Christmas to reduce fire risks in the home

It is providing advice in an aim to reduce the number of fires caused by cooking, decorations and candles this Christmas. Jackie Boyle, community fire safety officer, said: “While no Christmas party would be complete without a few decorations, many are highly flammable and wrapping paper can add extra fuel to a fire sparked by an overloaded socket or faulty fairy lights.” The WSFRS’s 12 Days of Christmas: On the 1st day of Christmas: Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment (a safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power). On the 2nd day of Christmas: Candle safety - never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings and never leave candles unattended. On the 3rd day of Christmas: Make sure your family and any guests staying know what to do in the event of a fire - make an 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: Don’t overload electrical sockets and take special care with Christmas lights. 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 cooking 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. On the 10th day of Christmas: Test It Tuesday! 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. On the 12th day of Christmas: Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas - make sure they are fire safe. For information about home fire safety checks call 0800 3286487 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has announced two periods of national strike action on Friday 13 and Saturday December 14 between 6pm and 10pm. WSFRS will continue to provide an emergency response during the industrial action but will have fewer resources available.