Fire service urge winter safety

Date published: 18 December 2009

Rochdale firefighters have launched their safe for winter campaign in the borough.

Blue Watch at Rochdale Fire Station have been delivering Christmas cards and posters to the Smallbridge, Firgrove, Norden and Bamford areas as part of the campaign.

The Christmas cards have a 12 days of Christmas theme in which each of the 12 days have a message to ensure that the public have a safe Christmas free from the dangers of fire in their home.

Posters remind the public that 80% of people who die in fires during winter are over 60 and that the elderly may need help in checking their smoke alarms.

A free home fire risk assessment can be booked by phoning 0800 555 815.

Watch Commander Angus Robinson said: "It is particularly important to remind people at this time of year of the dangers of fire in the home. Some seasonal dangers exist in the form of Christmas tree lights, which should be turned off when you go out, lit candles should have a non flammable base and kept away from furnishings, and dry Christmas trees that are highly flammable should be kept away from ignition sources.”