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This section will contain advice from the Cambridge Citizens Advice Bureau, articles from businesses and anything useful we hear about. We believe the information is from reliable sources and is offered in good faith however we do not accept responsibility for the content.

STAY SAFE THIS CHRISTMAS

Christmas, as well as being a joyous occasion, can also be a time of tragedy. Most of us increase the chance of fire occurring in our homes by introducing such items as paper decorations, Christmas trees, temporary lighting and large amounts of wrapping paper and boxes, etc. The chance of a fire occurring is often further increased by larger than normal numbers of people in the home, and the inevitable consumption of alcohol.

A smoke alarm, correctly installed and in good working order, will detect a fire and give the occupants of the home a chance to escape but it is obviously better to prevent a fire occurring in the first place.

A Few Suggestions

Be sure to test your smoke detectors.

Clean the oven before Christmas. Often the extra load on these appliances causes a fire due to the high use and extra grease build-up.

Keep kitchen clutter away from the oven and hob.

Be extra careful with matches and candles.

Be careful with loose clothing. Clothing often catches on fire around candles, matches, fireplaces and hobs (both electric and gas).

Keep decorations away from sources of heat such as open flames, electric heaters and exposed electric bulbs.

Don't overload electric outlets. Inspect electrical cords and light sets. If in doubt - throw them out.

Christmas Trees

• Keep your Christmas tree in a sturdy base filled with water and check the water level daily.
• Spraying the Christmas tree with a flame retardant is always a good idea.
• Make a fresh cut on the trunk of your tree and place in a sturdy holder.
• Place the tree away from heat sources, such as fireplaces and heaters.
• Do not use candles on or near the tree.
• Safely dispose of your tree before it becomes dangerously dry, however never burn tree or tree parts in your fireplace.

Christmas Lights

• Purchase only BS standard lights.
• Check all indoor and outdoor lights for frayed cords, replace if necessary.
• Never use lights that have an empty socket.
• Lights should not touch combustible materials.
• Use only outdoor lights for "outdoors"
• Turn off all Christmas lights, prior to leaving your home or going to bed.
• Avoid using extension cords, but if you do follow instructions carefully.
• Do not overload electrical circuits, such as wall outlets and extension cords, use a circuit strip.

Christmas Wrappings

• Keep combustible materials away from heat sources.
• Never burn wrappings in your fireplace.

More Information

The South Cambridgeshire District Office has leaflets and can offer other safety related information and advice. We would like to hear from you if you have questions or concerns about Christmas Fire Safety or any other fire safety matters. Please call 01223 376253.

The Cambridgeshire Master Composter Programme is looking for new recruits
(Posted October 2004)
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