Christmas Fire Safety With Epic Fireworks

Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service has issued some important guidelines to ensure its local communities of Central Scotland stay safe during this festive period.

Douglas Dick, of community fire safety, said: "A fire in your home is a terrible experience but to have one during the Christmas period is particularly distressing.

"There is far more potential for a fire during this period due to candles being lit, decorative lights being used and extra cooking in the home.

"Planning for Christmas is a busy time but people still need to take a few precautions around the home in order to ensure they have a safe and happy festive period."

The fire service's advice is:

On the 1st day of Christmas – Make sure you test your smoke alarm and if you or anyone you know hasn't already had one, get a free home safety check by phoning 0800 012 1465. Don't be tempted to remove the batteries to power a Christmas present!

On the 2nd day of Christmas - Check your Christmas tree lights, make sure they conform to a British Standard. In addition check, you have the correct fuse. Always switch them off and unplug them when you go to bed or leave the house.

On the 3rd day of Christmas - Never leave candles burning whilst unattended and make sure they are on a non-flammable base, keep them clear of your Christmas tree, any decorations and your furnishings.

On the 4th day of Christmas - Make sure you, your family and any guests that may be staying are aware of what they need to do in the event of a fire. Make a fire escape plan.

On the 5th day of Christmas - Never overload electrical sockets – if you are using decorative lights outside your house make sure they conform to the British Standard.

On the 6th day of Christmas – Never leave cooking unattended - a moment's distraction can lead to damage to your home to the value of thousands of pounds – or in the worst case a tragedy.

On the 7th day of Christmas – If you are planning to have fireworks as part of your celebrations, keep to the firework safety code, make sure they are kept in a metal box and never go back to a lit firework.

On the 8th day of Christmas – Make sure that candles and cigarettes are properly extinguished before you go to bed. Fires caused by cigarettes kill more people than any other cause.

On the 9th day of Christmas – Never place candles or any other naked flame near a Christmas tree. As your tree begins to dry out it becomes highly flammable.

On the 10th day of Christmas – Keep matches and lighters well away from children.

On the 11th day of Christmas – Make sure all those newly-acquired videos and DVD's are stored away in a cupboard. If a fire does start they are highly flammable and give off intense amounts of heat.

On the 12th day of Christmas - Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol if consumed.