Press Release - Firefighters tune up and dress up for a safe Christmas

Wednesday 13 December 2006 - 09.00hrs

Thursday 14 December sees the launch of Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s Christmas safety campaign.

Over the last few months firefighters from Green Watch at Avonmouth Fire Station have been busy producing a 12 Days of Christmas song to help promote fire safety over the festive period.

Every Christmas fire and rescue services across the country encourage people to think about fire safety in the home over the holidays and this year the firefighters from Green Watch, Avonmouth, came up with the idea of doing this through a musical rendition of the traditional 12 Days of Christmas.

The song, entitled ‘Celebrate Safely - The 12 Days of Fire Safety’, has seen the whole of Green Watch involved in its production, from composing the words and recording the music, to singing the lines with a fire safety twist.

Firefighter Martyn Quigley, who was instrumental in production of the festive song, said: "We’ve really enjoyed coming up with this new way to hit home with fire safety messages for Christmas and hope that people find themselves remembering our lines when they hear the music.

"We know all too well how devastating it can be for people to have a fire in their home at any time of year, but especially at Christmas when family and friends get to together to celebrate and relax. We want everyone to have a Happy Christmas and safe New Year. By following our simple tips we know people are not only protecting themselves, their family and friends, but their homes and property as well."

Station Manager Kevin Keeler, Deputy Head of Community Safety, said: "Christmas is a busy time of year for people as they get ready to enjoy themselves. Very often fire safety isn’t at the front of people’s minds, which unfortunately means fires do happen. Many of the fires we are called to at this time of year could easily have been prevented. Green Watch’s ‘Celebrate Safely - The 12 Days of Fire Safety’ provides people with some simple advice that ultimately could help save lives."

Not only is Green Watch musically talented, but they are also budding actors, putting on Avonmouth Fire Station’s annual pantomime. This year it’s an adaptation of the classic tale Scrooge. Alongside the usual panto fun, will be fire safety messages for audiences to take away.

As last year, kids from nearby Avonmouth Primary School will be treated to a special performance on Friday 15 December at 2pm.

Please turn over

‘The Celebrate Safely - The 12 Days of Fire Safety’ messages (sung to ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ tune) are:

On the first day of Christmas, a message plain to see. Check the batteries in your smoke alarm.

On the second day of Christmas, a message plain to see. Make a fire escape plan.

On the third day of Christmas, a message plain to see. Careful placing candles.

On the fourth day of Christmas, a message plain to see. Make time for neighbours.

On the fifth day of Christmas, a message plain to see. Turn your tree lights off at night.

On the sixth day of Christmas, a message plain to see. Take care with fireworks.

On the seventh day of Christmas, a message plain to see. Extinguish ciggies.

On the eighth day of Christmas, a message plain to see. Keep matches away from children.

On the ninth day of Christmas, a message plain to see. Decorate with caution.

On the tenth day of Christmas, a message plain to see. Don’t overload sockets.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, a message plain to see. Never leave your cooking.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, a message plain to see. Celebrate safely.

That’s your twelve-day fire safety plan.

For your free Home Fire Safety Visit, call 0800 1693 999.