With the Chinese New Year beginning on Tuesday, 1 February, remember to keep fire safety in mind. Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is advising residents to stay safe while celebrating this year with family and friends.
How ever you plan to celebrate Chinese New Year, RBFRS wants residents to enjoy the festivities safely. By taking just a few simple precautions you can greatly reduce the risk of fire:
Flying Lanterns
Flying lanterns are a serious fire risk as they are impossible to control and you do not know where they will end up. As a result, flying lanterns pose fire risks to crops, vehicles, livestock and the environment. Many local councils have even banned their use on public land.For this reason, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is strongly encouraging people across the County to avoid using flying lanterns over the Chinese New Year period. Instead, ground-based, paper lanterns, whilst not risk free, are still a much safer alternative. We would encourage you not to use flying lanterns – but if you do use them then please read our safety advice before using them.
Candles
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. You can read more advice about candle safety on our website.
Fireworks
Use fireworks with caution – only buy fireworks marked with British Safety Standard 7114 and always read the instructions. You can find more Fireworks safety tips on our website.
Cooking
Never leave cooking unattended. If you do need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking, take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk. You can get more Cooking safety tips on our website.