Having a Party
Inform your guests of the best route to escape just in case:
- Take special care of elderly people, children and those who may find it difficult to get out if there is a fire.
- Put out enough ashtrays, so ash and cigarette butts don’t get put in wastepaper bins.
- Tell guests who are staying overnight where the door keys are kept, in case they need to escape.
- Keep door and window keys where everyone can find them.
Fireworks
Never go back to a lit firework – even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode:
- Never throw fireworks or put them in your pocket.
- Don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks.
- Store fireworks in a closed box and take them out one at a time.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby.
- Follow the instructions on each firework. Use a torch to read them – never a naked flame.
- Light fireworks at arms length, using the taper provided.
- Make sure everyone stands back.
- Always supervise children around fireworks and never give sparkles to a child under five.
- Light sparklers one at a time.
- Keep pets indoors.
- Take care around open flames, such a bonfires and barbecues.
- Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 (this is a British Standard that all fireworks should meet).
Fairy Lights, Candles and Decorations
Unplug fairy lights when you leave the house or go to bed.
- Keep candles away from things that may catch fire, like Christmas trees, greeting card, ribbons, and other decorations.
- Put candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they are completely out at night.
- Check fairy lights are in good working order and replace bulbs that blow.
- Don’t let bulbs touch anything that can burn easily, such as paper or fabrics.
- Make sure the fuse in the plug is the right size.
Related Links
http://www.rospa.com/roadsafety/advice/driving/winter_hazards.htm - For information about safer driving during winter.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/focusareas/driving/drinkdriving?whoareyou_id=&page=Overview) - For information on drink driving.