This winter we are working to highlight how people can protect themselves and their families by reducing the risks of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning in their home.
The rising cost of living will mean people across our communities will look for new ways to heat and light their homes over the Christmas period.
Group Manager for Community Safety at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, John Amos said:
“We want our communities to have a happy and safe festive season but we understand that many are concerned about the challenges ahead and are looking to save money and cut costs by finding alternative ways to stay warm.
“We’re asking people to consider and remain alert to the fire risks in their home at this time of year, particularly around the five Cs – carbon monoxide, cooking, candles, chimneys and clothing.
“Our five Cs campaign is designed to help you keep your home safe this winter. Having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is the best way to protect yourself and your family.”
Stay safe this winter with the 5Cs
Do you know the 5Cs and how you can keep yourself and your family safe this winter? – Read more
- Candles – keep lit candles away from clothing and bedding and put them out before you leave the room.
- Carbon monoxide – ensure you have a CO alarm fitted in your home and look out for the early warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Cooking – barbecues and camping stoves are unsafe to use inside as it puts you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Chimneys – make sure you use the correct fuel for woodburning stoves and open fires to reduce the risk of toxic fumes and carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Clothing – think about where you put clothes to dry and keep well away from portable heaters and fires.
Don’t get distracted in the kitchen this Christmas!
The majority of house fires at this time of year begin in the kitchen, with a significant number happening after the food is left unattended, as the cook becomes distracted elsewhere.
Don’t get distracted! Don’t leave your cooking unattended! And don’t burn the turkey! – Read more
Prevent a fire in your chimney
If you’re planning to light an open fire at home this winter ensure your flues are clear and your chimney has recently been professionally swept.
Ensure you use the correct fuel for woodburning stoves and open fires to reduce the risk of toxic fumes and carbon monoxide poisoning – Read more
Don’t drink and drive – it’s not worth the risk
We are working closely with and supporting our emergency services partners to make our roads safer for everyone across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
The best way to deal with road traffic collisions is to prevent them from happening in the first place.
The Joint Operations by Roads Policing Unit of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police has relaunched its annual drink and drug driving enforcement campaign, Operation Holly.
Running across the whole month of December, officers will be increasing patrols and enforcement activity on our roads over the festive period.
Driving while impaired through drink or drugs can significantly increase the chances of road users being killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision – Read more
