The Head of Prevention at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is appealing to everyone within our communities to take some time to look after each other this Christmas.

Jody McEachern, Head of Prevention for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said:

"Supporting each other and working collaboratively with our emergency service partners is part of our everyday role.

“The wellbeing of our communities is always at the heart of what we do, and I’m encouraging residents to join us in doing all they can to keep people safe.

“As we approach Christmas and New Year, I would ask everyone to pause and think about fire safety. A simple check-in with family, friends, or neighbours to ensure they are protected – including confirming they have working smoke alarms – could make a real difference.”

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to stay safe and protect their homes from fire by following and sharing with others the twelve tips for festive fire safety:

1. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment (This is a safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power).
2. Never place candles near your Christmas tree, furniture or curtains. Don't leave them burning unattended. We recommend using battery operated LED candles as these are much safer than traditional candles.
3. Make sure your family and visitors staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency. Practice a fire escape plan.
4. Decorations can burn easily - Don't attach them to lights or heaters.
5. Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, unless they're designed to stay on.
6. Take special care with Christmas lights. Always switch off and unplug them before you go to bed. Christmas is a time when we use more electrical items - don't overload sockets and plugs but use correctly fused multi gang safety leads.
7. Most fires start in the kitchen - never leave cooking unattended. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.
8. If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.
9. Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.
10. Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.
11. Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of children.
12. Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas. Make sure they are safe from fire, as well as checking on their well-being.

Social Media Christmas Safety Competition

Visit our Facebook page or Instagram account to take part in our 12 days of Christmas safety competition starting on the 13^th of December and be in with a chance of winning £40 in supermarket vouchers.

Joint Emergency Services Carol Service

We will be hosting the annual Joint Emergency Services Carol Service at Bangor Cathedral on Monday, 8^th December at 7pm - come join us!