Have a Safe and Happy Christmas
However you spend your Christmas and New Year’s, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service wants you to be safe and happy.
Station Manager Will Bowen, Home Fire Safety Manager said “On behalf of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Safety Team, I’d like to wish a happy & safe Christmas and New Year to our communities.
With COVID-19 restrictions meaning we are likely to spend more time at home during the festive season, we would like to remind everyone of a few basic, but important, safety messages that can keep you and those around you from harm’s way.
Check on elderly neighbours, in a way that is safe do to so. You know it’s the right thing to do.
Check your Christmas lights are not damaged or broken before you use them. Always read and follow the manufacturers' instructions before assembling your lights.
Switch off your Christmas lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Never overload sockets - try to avoid the use of extension leads or adaptors. Visit the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service website to use an online calculator to see how differing household appliances affect the load. https://bit.ly/3dULRAN
If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure it’s watered. You can check this each time you place presents under it – but remember electricity and water don’t mix!!
Did you know that most fires start in the kitchen? Do not cook after drinking alcohol and do not leave cooking unattended. If you must answer the door or the phone, remove pans and saucepans from the heat source first.
Do not leave candles unattended and place them well away from curtains and decorations.
Keep portable heaters away from combustible materials, such as decorations, wrapping or curtains. Never leave a portable heater switched on unattended or whilst you are sleeping.
If you do intend to go out for a drink during the holidays, then get a taxi home or arrange a lift. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!
You could also make an early New Year’s Resolution and test your smoke alarms EVERY WEEK! A working alarm can give you the vital time needed to escape in a fire. You can sign up for a free service that reminds you to test your smoke alarms by visiting https://www.safelincs.co.uk/smoke-alarm-reminders/
It’s important to also make a fire escape plan and make sure all children and adults at home know what to do if the worst was to happen.
Finally, keep an eye out on our social media platforms during the festive period for some top safety tips. Nadolig Llawen!”
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service urges all road users to heed the advice of the Fatal 5:
- Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Kill your speed
- Don’t get careless
- Wear a seat belt
- Switch off your mobile phones when driving.
Spencer Lewis, Road Safety Manager for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said “The Fire Service appeals on everyone who uses the road to make sure that they drive or ride according to the conditions and allow enough time for their journey. Darker driving conditions, wet road surfaces and poor visibility from winter weather together make a big difference to our regular journeys whether by car, lorry, motorcycle or bicycle.
Make sure your vehicle is suitably prepared for such weather conditions and if you cycle or walk along roads be sure to make yourself visible to other road users.
We also plead with all drivers, DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE and don’t use your mobile devices while driving as it distracts your attention and is known to be a contributory factor in road traffic accidents.”