It’s that time of year when the Christmas decorations are coming out of the loft and candles are being lit, prompting the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to issue vital safety advice.
Shanklin Fire Station have led the way in circulating sound advice about electrical safety on the Friends of Shanklin Fire Station Facebook page.
As you plug in your lights and other accessories, you should:
– Take great care when putting up your lights, especially externally
– Always make sure you use the correct water resistant enclosures for housing lighting plugs and transformers and ensure you use RCD protected circuits or an RCD plug on all lights
– Always use the correct fuse on all extension leads and multi gang sockets – NEVER replace with a bigger fuse if it keeps blowing
– The use of adaptors is also frowned upon – if incorrect fuses are used, they can over heat and again catch fire, especially if they are covered
– If in doubt always get a Qualified Electrician to check out before turning on
Meanwhile, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have issued a warning about a Christmas Tree candle purchased from Primark. The candle has been deemed a fire risk and has been pulled from the shelves – anyone who still owns one should not light it, but return it to the store.
The risks are real – on Christmas Eve 2014 fire crews were called to a property in Wroxall after a candle sparked a large fire.
When it comes to candles…
– Always put candles on a heat resistant surface and in a proper holder
– Position them away from curtains, furniture and other fabrics
– Don’t put them under shelves
– Keep clothes and hair away
– Keep children and pets away
– Keep candles apart – leave at least 4 inches between 2 burning candles
– Extinguish candles before moving them or leaving the room
– Use a snuffer or a spoon to put them out. It’s safer than blowing them.
– Double check they’re out
