County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) re-launch their Christmas safety campaign in partnership with The Safer Durham Partnership
The campaign ‘Be Present This Christmas’ has launched across their social media platforms to raise awareness of key road, home and water safety messages.
Be Present this Christmas is about raising awareness of the increased risks faced by local communities at Christmas time. The aim of the campaign is to make sure everyone is present around the dinner table this Christmas.
CDDFRS are encouraging people to drive safely by being mindful of the Fatal 4 - reduce speed, wear a seatbelt, avoid distractions behind the wheel and never drive after consuming drink or drugs.
The campaign also covers a key water safety message. Ian Hankin, Community Safety Manager at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said “We want everyone to have a brilliant but safe Christmas. If you and your friends are planning a night out in Durham City to enjoy the festivities, make sure you stick together and plan your route home avoiding the river, better still get a taxi”.
Be Present This Christmas also looks at raising awareness of risks within the home.
Ian added “There are many things you can do to keep you and your family safer at home. Many people love to light candles at Christmas, and we are asking you to always blow them out if you leave the room and make sure they are secured in a holder. If you are celebrating with a real Christmas Tree this year, make sure it is well watered and if you have a real fire make sure the chimney is clean and well maintained.
Finally, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Christmas lights! But make sure you don’t overload your sockets and that you have working smoke alarms installed on each level of your home”.
The Electrical Safety First website has a socket overload calculator to help you to know when your sockets are overloaded, visit:
https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/overloading-sockets/
CDDFRS also carry out free Home Fire Safety Visits. These visits can be booked at a time convenient to you. They involve a visit from your local fire crew who will check to make sure your home is safe, and you have working smoke alarms, if you don’t, they will install some for free.
To book your visit, call 0191 916 0214
