Year of the Tiger

Celebrate safely this Chinese New Year

11 Feb 2010

Only days away from starting the ‘Year of the Tiger’ [Sunday, 14 February 2010] Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service wishes everyone a very happy and safe Chinese New Year.

With people spending more time at home - cooking while entertaining or relaxing with family or friends - the risk of fire can increase during major festivals such as Chinese New Year. People are more likely to be distracted during this time of year and therefore more vulnerable to fire.

Deputy Chief Officer Dave Curry, Director of Service Delivery at Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“People are more likely to be distracted during this time of year and therefore more vulnerable to the dangers of accidental fire. We understand that the New Year celebrations are very special to our Chinese communities and we want the festivities to be memorable for all the right reasons. By taking just a few simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the risks for yourself and your family.”

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service offers the following safety tips:

• Fit smoke alarms on each floor level in your home.
• Test your smoke alarms once a week to make sure they are working and change the batteries every year - unless it is a ten year sealed alarm.
• You should never leave cooking unattended. When deep fat frying in a chip pan or similar, dry the food before you put it in the hot oil. Never fill the pan more than one third full of oil. If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave the pan to cool. Never throw water over the pan.
• Make sure that you put out candles and cigarettes properly, especially before going to bed at night.
• Treat fireworks with great caution. Only buy fireworks marked with British Safety Standard 7114 and always read the instructions.
• When using candles, never leave them unattended. Be sure to place them in a proper holder and keep flames at a safe distance from curtains, furniture and decorations. Long hair and clothing are also very flammable.

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‘Think, before you light!’ is the message from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to anyone using flying fire lanterns or firecrackers as part of their celebrations. Assistant Chief Officer Hamm explained:

“Chinese New Year and the subsequent Chinese Lantern Festival are periods when lanterns and fireworks are used extensively. We urge anyone who is considering using firecrackers as part of their celebrations to follow the strict safety guidelines to avoid any potential fire risks.”

• Always purchase firecrackers from a reliable source and follow label directions carefully.
• Store them in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets as well as away from possible hazards such as electrical outlets.
• Check instructions for special storage directions.
• For using firecrackers, select a clear, area in the outdoors away from vehicles, buildings, dry grass or leaves and other inflammable materials.
• Before lighting, make sure other people are out of range.
• Stay as far away as possible and light the firecracker using a long match.
• Once the fuse catches fire, move away quickly.
• Light one item at a time and keep your face, hand and other parts of the body away from the firecracker.
• Never give firecrackers to young children.
• Once the firecrackers cool - place in a bucket of water to make sure they are completely extinguished.
• If a firecracker malfunctions, never try to relight it.

 

For further advice on celebrating safely, or any aspect of home fire safety, visit our keeping safe web pages at www.hantsfire.gov.uk/yoursafety or contact the Community Safety team on 023 8062 6809.  

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