Be Fire Safe this Christmas says MEP

As Christmas approaches, East Midlands MEP Emma McClarkin is continuing with her campaign for better fire safety in Europe, highlighting the importance of being particularly careful around this time of the year in order to avoid fires in the home.

Candles and Christmas lighting decorations, commonly found in every home at this time of the year, can cause fires if left unattended. Therefore it’s important to be extremely careful in order to avoid an increased risk of fire. Simple things such as switching off the Christmas lights when you go to bed or when you leave the house can save your life and that of your family.

Tips on staying safe at Christmas:

Replace blown fairy light bulbs
Don’t let bulbs touch anything that can burn easily, like paper.
Don’t overload sockets.
Don’t attach paper decorations to lights or heaters
Keep decorations away from candles

More tips can be found at http://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/christmas

Emma McClarkin MEP said:

“Domestic fire safety is a crucial issue that affects us all, wherever we live. Christmas is a period of increased risk when it comes to fires in the home. We should do all we can to make people aware of the greater risk of fire at this time of the year so that they can take all the necessary precautions.”

Last month, Miss McClarkin launched a European Parliament Written Declaration aimed at raising fire safety standards in Europe. The Declaration is currently open for signature by Members of the European Parliament.

Miss McClarkin added:

“It is a sad fact that fires claim new victims every day. Sadly, very often these victims are among the most vulnerable in society – elderly people, the disabled, poor families and children. I hope that the written declaration will raise awareness about the fundamental issue of fire safety and will help bring changes in EU legislation which will help save many lives across Europe. Everyone should benefit from the highest level of protection against the risk of fire in the home.

“Christmas is a time for joy and happiness. Don’t let a fire ruin it.”