Posted: Friday 6 December 2019, 09:41
Christmas dinner, wrapping presents, and decorating your home – there’s lots to think about this Christmas. But one thing Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is urging local residents to put at the top of their Christmas lists, is fire and road safety.
Fire safety is vital throughout the year, but the added distractions of Christmas make it especially important to be careful. This is why DFRS is asking the people of Derbyshire to take extra care over the festive season to ensure that their families and loved ones are safe and protected.
Station Manager Kevin Page says: “Christmas is a time for festive cheer with family and friends. But fairy lights, candles and decorations mean it is also a time to take extra care to keep our loved ones safe from fire”
To ensure you have the merriest of Christmases, keep fire and road safety at the top of your lists.
- Ensure you place candles in suitable holders and away from curtains.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Test your smoke alarms weekly.
- Have a planned and practiced escape plan that everyone in the family is aware of, including any guests.
While fire safety is essential, the festive period also highlights the dangers of drink and drug driving. DFRS, local police officers and paramedics were recently at McArthur Glen, emphasising the consequences of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
Our communities can help reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on our roads through drink and/or drugs by following our top tips for staying safe:
- Appoint a designated driver.
- Pre-booking a taxi, or using public transport.
- Arrange to stay at a friends if having a drink.
- Do not accept a lift from a driver you know is under the influence.
- Do not offer a drink to someone you know is driving.
From everyone at DFRS we wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas.