However you plan to celebrate Chinese New
Year, Avon Fire & Rescue Service wants you to enjoy the
festivities safely.
We have some advice on how to celebrate the
year of the rabbit safely.
Cooking
More than half of all the
fires we attend start in the kitchen, so if you are planning a meal
with family and friends follow these tips:
-
Never fill a pan more than one third full of
fat or oil
-
Never leave cooking unattended
-
Never put food in a pan if the oil begins to
smoke. Turn off the heat and leave the oil to cool, otherwise it
could catch fire
-
Never wear loose clothing near to cooking
materials, as it could catch fire causing severe burns, or it could
get caught on something and pull it over
-
Keep tea towels well away from cooking
appliances, as they could catch fire
-
Clean hobs regularly to prevent a build up
of fat which can catch fire
Fireworks
If you plan to see in
the Chinese New Year with fireworks, make sure you only buy
fireworks which comply with the British Standard (B7114).
Follow the firework code:
- Keep
fireworks in a closed box
- Follow the
instructions on each firework
- Light at
arm's length, using a taper
- Stand well
back
- Never go
near a firework that has been lit. Even if it has not gone off, as
it could still explode
- Keep pets
indoors
- Always
supervise children with sparklers
- Keep a
container of water nearby, large and deep enough to put used
sparklers in
Candles
If you plan to light
candles as part of your Chinese New Year celebrations, make sure
you follow our tips to prevent the risk of fire:
- Tealights and nightlights should be placed in a
suitable holder as they can melt through plastic materials
- Never leave a candle burning unattended
- Keep candles away from furnishings and clothing
- Keep candles and matches or lighters out of the reach
of children
- Always put votive and scented candles in a glass or
metal holder as they liquefy to release their
fragrance
Chinese lanterns
When using
Chinese lanterns, always consider the local environment for the
launch site and intended flight path.
General advice:
- Lanterns should be used by responsible adults
only
- Adults should not be under the influence of
alcohol or any substance that could affect their level of
responsibility
- Water should be on hand in case the lanterns
catch fire
- The launch area should be kept clear of
combustible materials
- Damaged lanterns should not be used
Launch conditions and area:
- Ensure sufficient clearance to avoid
obstacles such as trees, power lines or buildings
- Avoid launching near roads, especially major
roads or motorways
- Avoid standing crops
- Do not launch within five miles of an
airport
- Do not launch in wind speeds in excess of
five mph
- Check wind direction before
launch