Chinese New Year - celebrate safely
This year, Chinese New Year officially begins on Friday 12th February and it is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar.
For many it’s a time to celebrate the end of an old year and the beginning of a new one, at home and cooking a special meal for family and friends.
With people spending more time at home - cooking while entertaining or relaxing with family or friends, the risk of fire increases. People are more likely to be distracted during this time of year and therefore more vulnerable to fire.
Chinese New Year - safety tips
By taking just a few simple precautions you can greatly reduce the risk of fire:
Keep candles out of reach of children and animals - children should be supervised at all times near flames. Keep flames from candles at a safe distance from curtains, furniture and decorations. Long hair and clothing are also very flammable. Candle safety tips
Treat fireworks with great caution - only buy fireworks marked with British Safety Standard 7114 and always read the instructions. Fireworks safety tips
We would encourage you not to use flying lanterns - but if you do use them then please always read the manufacturers instructions before using them. Lantern safety tips
Avoid overloading electrical sockets - try to remember, one plug - one socket. If you must have more plugs connected always use a fused adaptor. Electrical fire safety
Most fires start in the kitchen - never leave cooking unattended. When cooking deep-fried food, dry it before you put it in the hot oil. If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave the pan to cool. Never fill the pan more than one-third full of oil. Never throw water over the pan. Cooking safety tips
Fit working smoke alarms on each floor level in your home. Consider buying a ten year alarm - otherwise test the alarm once a week and change the batteries every year. Smoke alarms
How fire-safe is your home?
Complete our online home safety check and you will get a personalised fire safety plan, which will offer advice on how to prevent fires in your home.
Do the online fire safety check
Book a safe and well visit
If you are over 65 years of age and you live in Cheshire, you can arrange for a Firefighter or a Community Safety Advocate to visit your home for a free safety visit.
During the safety visit advice will be given on how to make your home safer, what to do in the event of a fire and what to do if you are trapped by a fire. Free smoke alarms will also be fitted (if needed) with an explanation on how to maintain them correctly. During the visit, advice will be offered on reducing slips, trips and falls. Bowel cancer screening and heart checks are also offered. Support is also offered to those who wish to stop smoking, taking drugs or reduce their alcohol consumption.
Book a 'safe and well visit' for over 65’s