London Fire Brigade shares tips on keeping safe this Christmas

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The London Fire Brigade has shared a range of tips to keep safe this Christmas.

Fires in London’s homes in December have reduced by 21 per cent over the past five years. In 2014 there were 529 fires in homes while last year this had reduced to 416. To keep on Santa’s nice list the brigade has issued some top safety tips to help everyone step into Christmas safely.

  • Keep candles away from Christmas trees, curtains or anything else that could catch fire and don’t leave them burning unattended.
  • Check your Christmas tree lights conform with safety standards and always switch them off before going to bed.
  • Don’t attach decorations to lights or heaters – they can overheat and catch fire.
  • Make sure you have a fire escape plan and share this with everyone in your household and any guests staying over Christmas.
  • Don’t leave cooking unattended, it’s safer to take pans off the heat and turn the hob, oven or grill off.
  • Make sure new electrical appliances have a British or European safety mark when you buy them.
  • Don’t overload plug sockets.
  • Check on elderly relatives and neighbours and make sure they are safe.
  • Test your smoke alarms and make sure they are working.  Fit a heat alarm in the kitchen – this will detect an increase in temperature caused by fire, but not be set off by cooking fumes.
  • If you smoke over the Christmas make sure you don’t get distracted and ensure your smoking material is extinguished properly.

Dan Daly, assistant commissioner for fire safety at the London Fire Brigade, commented: “Fire is devastating at any time of year but this is heightened more at Christmas time with wrapped presents destroyed and families displaced. While some may wish for a white Christmas, we want everyone to enjoy a safe Christmas.

“There are many fire hazards in the home over Christmas – candles, fairy lights, overloaded plug sockets, cooking left unattended – or carried out after a festive tipple. I don’t want to be Mr. Grinch and tell you not to decorate your homes or to take part in the festive cheer – but I do want you to be safe over Christmas and take steps to prevent fires from occurring and spoiling the holiday.

“So make sure you have a look at our safety tips, check your smoke alarms and be aware of some of the potential fire hazards. And from everyone at London Fire Brigade, we wish you a merry Christmas.”

London Fire Brigade nutritonist scoops top award

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A London Fire Brigade nutritionist has been awarded for his efforts to improve the healthy eating habits of firefighters.

The first ever dedicated nutritionist employed by a fire and rescue service, Greg Lessons won ‘Nutritionist of the Year’ at the Caroline Walker Trust awards. Lessons was selected from leading nutritionists around the country competing for the prize.

A firefighter for 17 years at Shoreditch, Leyton and Hornchurch fire stations, Lessons began studying for a masters in Nutrition at London Metropolitan University five years ago. His dissertation focussed on firefighter nutrition, and how firefighters could improve their health by eating better on duty.

After graduating with a distinction, Lessons was appointed as a full time nutritionist for London Fire Brigade and is now on a long term secondment. Working with firefighters to develop personalised nutrition plans, Lessons helps them make healthier food choices and also holds food preparation masterclasses with firefighters across the capital.

Lessons commented: “To be awarded the title of ‘Nutritionist of the year 2019’ is fantastic and I’m thrilled beyond belief! I was judged against four eminent UK nutritionists and I’m so proud to be chosen. It was also an honour to represent the Brigade and to raise the profile of nutrition, health and wellness in the workplace. A huge thanks goes to everyone who has supported me along the way.

“Firefighters work extremely busy shifts and can be called out on a shout any second. For that reason, they tend to eat large portions and quickly. They also work anti-social hours and, like many other night workers, often want quick energy so their choice of snacks are often not the healthiest.

“We know firefighters need to be fit to do their job and eating the right diet is essential to achieve this. Also, nutrition can significantly impact mental health and be used as a valuable tool in reducing stress, anxiety and depression.”