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Stay safe this Christmas

With Christmas just days away, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging families to stay safe over the Christmas period.

Small things like making sure electric sockets are not overloaded and keeping cooking surfaces clutter free, can all help to prevent a fire in the home.

For those travelling to see friends and family this Christmas, we’d really encourage people do their vehicle checks first.

Area Commander Simon Newton, said: “Our Christmas wish this year is that everyone has a safe and happy Christmas. If there’s one thing families can do to give them peace of mind during the festivities, it’s to have working smoke alarms. We’d encourage everyone to test theirs in the lead up to the big day.”

Area Commander Newton added: “Christmas is a time of year to call in on loved ones. If you do visit elderly relatives, make sure their home is fire safe, for example checking for smoke alarms and giving them a test.

"With many people feeling the pinch with the cost-of-living crisis and finding alternative, potentially unsafe ways of heating and lighting their homes, more than ever, we’d encourage everyone to keep any eye out for those who are vulnerable. 

"If you have concerns about a relative, neighbour, or someone you care for, particularly if they live alone, get in touch with us to find out about a free Safe and Well visit, where we can provide advice about fire safety and staying well.”

Below are some simple tips to follow to help stay safe:

  • Have a working smoke alarm on each floor of your home and test it regularly
  • Make sure you never leave cooking unattended and do not cook when tired or under the influence of alcohol
  • Keep cooking areas clear and don’t leave anything flammable, such as tea towels, oven gloves, or even Christmas decorations on or near the hob
  • Never take the batteries out of smoke alarms to power presents
  • Switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed or leave the house.
  • Make sure electrical items conform to the British Standard and never overload plug sockets or extension leads.
  • Never place candles near your Christmas tree, decorations or furnishings and never leave a burning candle unattended. Decorations can burn easily, so don’t hang them near lights or heaters.
  • If you do find a fire in your home, get out, stay out and call 999.
  • Don’t drink and drive – if you’re planning on drinking this Christmas, always have a plan for how you will get home.
  • If you’re enjoying the outdoors, make sure you stay away from frozen water. If you see someone or a pet in difficulty – call 999 straight away. Never go in the water yourself.
  • Complete an online home fire safety check.

For residents looking for a safe and warm space to visit, please look out for Warm Hubs. They are free community spaces, where residents can visit a safe, warm and friendly environment to enjoy refreshments and social activity, get information and advice, and meet others. Residents can find their nearest one depending on where they live in the county:

South Cambs - https://orlo.uk/dpQQW
East Cambs - https://orlo.uk/heqFF
Cambridge City - https://orlo.uk/QGZlC
Huntingdonshire - https://orlo.uk/1gM6z
Peterborough - https://orlo.uk/3WLvh
Fenland - https://orlo.uk/lRFV0