Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service offers some important fire safety guidelines in the run-up to the festive period.
First day of Christmas
On the 1st day of Christmas, ensure you have working smoke alarms installed on all levels of your home.
A working alarm can give you the vital time needed to escape in a fire. Test your smoke alarms regularly and never remove batteries!
Second day of Christmas
On the 2nd day of Christmas, never leave cooking unattended.
The majority of fires start in the kitchen so this is a high-risk area. Many of us enjoy a merry tipple over the festive season but be sure to avoid cooking whilst under the influence of alcohol.
Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.
Third day of Christmas
On the 3rd day of Christmas, never leave burning candles unattended.
Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets, and away from decorations, cards and wrapping paper, fires, lights and heaters.
Fourth day of Christmas
On the 4th day of Christmas, put your cigarette out, right out.
Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished and take care when under the influence of alcohol or tired. It’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and set furniture alight.
Fifth day of Christmas
On the 5th day of Christmas, never use heaters to dry clothes.
Heaters can start fires when things are placed too close to them. Keep them well away from curtains, clothing and furniture.
Sixth day of Christmas
On the 6th day of Christmas, do not overload sockets.
Make sure you only use one plug per socket. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers.
Seventh day of Christmas
On the 7th day of Christmas, ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed, or leave the house.
Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598) and are in good working order before use.
Eighth day of Christmas
On the 8th day of Christmas, always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment.
This safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store.
Ninth day of Christmas
On the 9th day of Christmas, do something good.
Test the smoke alarms of someone you know who may need help such as an older relative or neighbour to ensure their safety as they are at greater risk from fire.
Tenth day of Christmas
On the 10th day of Christmas, be careful unwrapping Christmas presents near naked flames.
Eleventh day of Christmas
On the 11th day of Christmas, if you’re planning to include fireworks as part of your celebrations, be safe, not sorry.
Stick to the firework safety code.
Twelfth day of Christmas
On the 12th day of Christmas, make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire – you should get out, stay out and call 999.
For free information on staying safe at Christmas call 0800 555 815 or go to the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue website.