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>> PHIL BURRIDGE: At this time of year we need to make sure that our homes are safe. So ensure
that you've got a working smoke alarm on every level of your home as a bear minimum. Make
sure that they work, by testing them on a regular basis. Make sure that the battery
is changed once a year, so that you can always make sure that your alarm is working. Obviously,
have a fire plan at home, so that if you are unfortunate enough to have a fire, that your
family know exactly what to do. Make sure that you've got a back up plan so that you
know what to do if you can't escape (where you should go and what you should do). Also,
you should ensure that your escape route is kept nice and clear. Have a night time routine,
make sure that doors and windows are closed, ashtray contents are extinguished and put
out side and if you do use candles, make sure that they are extinguished
when you go to bed. With open fires and log burners at
this time of year, make sure that chimneys are kept clean at all times and swept about
two or three times every winter, depending on what you are burning. If you're using wood,
make sure it's swept far more often. Also make sure that fires are never left unattended.
Make sure that guards are put in place if you leave the room or go to bed at night,
and make sure that the fire is extinguished, so that the fire is kept in a very safe condition.
Electric blankets are very safe to use as long as they're kept under the correct
conditions. Obviously, when people take them off the bed during the summer, they should
be rolled and not folded. When they put them back on the bed, they should ensure that they
are used correctly and that they are fitted tightly. They should make sure that the thermostat
works and also after a couple of years they should have them checked by a competent person
to ensure that they are still working correctly. But always ensure that they are fitted properly
and they will keep you safe. Gas fires and electric heaters are very safe pieces of equipment
to use as long as they are kept correctly. Make sure that they are examined by a competent
person on a regular basis. But when using them make sure that you don't sit too close
to them, put any clothes on them or too near to them, such as curtains. Make sure that
they are kept at least three feet to one metre away from them to make sure that no combustion
can take place. Also, when you leave the room for any amount of time, please ensure that
you either turn the fire off or make sure that it's left in a safe condition with a
guard around it. We would like everyone to enjoy their
holiday season and celebrate safely. However, what we need to be aware of is that the lights
that people use at this time of year, have been put away for quite a while. So they need
to be checked and ensure the plug is fused correctly. Make sure that the lights are working
correctly and that they are placed in the right place on the Christmas tree. Make sure
that there is no danger that it could ignite any of the equipment or decorations. Make
sure that the lights are turned off when you go to bed or when you leave the property,
make sure that everything is safe. There is a danger that candles can ignite anything
that's flammable, such as clothing, furniture or curtains. So, please be aware of where
you put them. Make sure that they are only burning when you're in the room. If you leave
the room, make sure that they are properly extinguished, and make sure that the matches
and lighters you use are kept away from children, so that they have a safe and happy Christmas
as well. At this time of year we need to be
really safe on our roads, because of the icy snowy conditions. We're coming up towards
Christmas, so what we should be doing is making sure that we never drink and drive, or take
drugs and drive. Please make sure that you only drive when it's absolutely necessary.
Make sure that you use a reliable car, that's in good condition. Make sure that the tyre
treads are legal. Make sure that you check the anti-freeze. If you do have to drive,
then make sure that you take some warm clothes with you, make sure that you've got a shovel
and perhaps a warm drink in the car. Also make sure that you use your lights in all
conditions to warn other road users that you're there. Make sure that the car is working correctly.
Also if you're on a bike, make sure that you have some good florescent clothing, working
lights - such as the flashing ones which you can fit on your bike. So please make sure
that you're safe when you use the roads.