New advertising campaign launched today to warn of increased risk of fires at Christmas
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) is launching a new campaign today warning of the increased risks of fire over the Christmas season.
To accompany the campaign, it has issued seven tips to keep you fire safe over the holidays. The new ad campaign will run on TV, digital audio, display and social media.
Welcoming the campaign launch, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD emphasised:
“Statistically, the highest number of fire fatalities occur in the winter months, particularly in the month of December. At Christmas time there is increased socialising in the home as people, hopefully, get to take time out of their busy lives and relax. However, there is also a greater use of candles in use as well as an increase in the number of electronic devices in the home. For this reason, the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management is advising people to have a fire safety routine before going to bed.
“This should include extinguishing all candles and fires, unplugging electrical appliances and taking precautions to ‘stop fire starting’ because once fire starts it will stop at nothing.”
National Director for Fire and Emergency Management Keith Leonard welcomed the launch of the new campaign:
“While the festive period is a time of great cheer for us all, it is also a time of the year that brings additional risk of fire. This campaign asks people to stay vigilant to ‘stop fire starting’ by eliminating the causes of fire in the home, have a working smoke alarm and an escape plan from their home should a fire break out.
“Over the festive season, we are asking people not to overload sockets, to unplug lights and electronic devices and be cautious with candles and open fires. Finally, we’re also asking people to check in on older or vulnerable neighbours, families and friends to make sure their homes are fire-safe.”
The NDFEM has issued the following top seven tips to keep you fire safe this festive period:
1. Have a working smoke alarm fitted.
Have at least one smoke alarm fitted on every level of your home, ensure you can hear them from your bedrooms, test them weekly and never borrow batteries from your smoke alarms. In under three minutes you could die from smoke inhalation and the sound of a smoke alarm is the sound that could save your life!
2. Be safe when decorating for Christmas.
Keep Christmas trees, cards and decorations away from heaters and open fires. For artificial trees, make sure your tree is fire retardant. For real trees, keep them well watered during the whole of the holiday season - dried out Christmas trees can catch fire easily. Make sure your Christmas lights have the CE mark are in good condition - if in doubt, replace them. Unplug them at bedtime. Never use candles near a Christmas tree.
3. Drink sensibly.
Fire research shows that many fire fatalities in homes are among people who have consumed alcohol. Cigarettes, chip pans, grills and candles become potentially lethal if used while under the influence of alcohol. There is also potentially decreased mobility while under the influence of alcohol, which makes an escape from fire much more difficult.
4. Stay vigilant if using a stove or open fire.
Chimney fires remain the top cause of fire in Ireland. A loud roaring noise from your fireplace would indicate that your chimney is on fire. While an open fire can give a festive feel, remember to get your chimney cleaned, keep a fire guard on and be cautious of anything that may fall from the fireplace.
5. Be mindful to plug out this holiday season.
During the festive period, more equipment will be plugged in and electrical fires continue to be a big danger. Never overload sockets and always ensure all electrical equipment is in good working order especially if not used since last year. If Santa brings new e-scooters or e-bikes, charge them in a safe place and never overnight.
6. Extinguish cigarettes and ash.
The biggest cause of fire fatality over the last number of years in Ireland has been smoking, due to leaving lit cigarettes unattended. One in five fire fatalities in Ireland in 2023 were from smoking materials. Do not smoke in bed and ensure cigarettes or cigars are fully extinguished. Dampen ashtrays with water before retiring for the night.
7. Get out and Call 999 or 112
If a fire starts in your home, get out and get the fire brigade. Have an escape plan in place with your household for what to do if your smoke alarm sounds.
Additionally, people are asked to check in with the elderly and more vulnerable in their community and check:
1. Do they have working smoke alarms?
2. Are their escape routes clear?
3. Are their homes fire safe?