Essex Fire Service is offering a festive series of fire safety tips to ensure that your Christmas is a merry one.

A fire, starting on a sofa, would only take one minute and 30 seconds to set the sofa ablaze. Within two minutes and 30 seconds the small fire would be an inferno that would cause the windows in your room to shatter, so there is very little time to get out.

People are also advised to plan an escape route, in the case of fire, in advance and discuss the plan with everyone who lives in the house. A better idea would be to prevent a fire occurring in the first place and to help achieve this, Essex Fire is urging everyone to follow these simple steps for a safe and happy Christmas.

Make a plan, get out alive.

Ensure presents are not left too close to the fire.

Remember to extinguish cigarettes properly and empty ashtrays.

Remove wrapping paper after opening presents.

Youngsters present? Guard that fire.

Candles can be dangerous and should be treated with care.

Hang decorations and cards away from heat sources.

Remember, one plug, one socket!

It is busy in the kitchen at Christmas. Keep children out.

Switch off Christmas lights before you go to bed.

Take extra care with portable heaters.

Make sure your smoke detector works.

Always close the door at night.

Smoke alarms make a good Christmas a safe one.

For more information call Essex County Fire and Rescue Services Community Education Unit on 01277 848426.

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