FIREFIGHTERS have been out and about in Hartlepool spreading the message Stay Safe and Celebrate in the run up to Christmas.

To mark the start of the campaign they spent the day at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, Hartlepool, talking to shoppers, handing out safety advice and taking bookings for free Home Fire Safety Visits.

Les Jones, head of community safety with Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “Christmas is a time for having fun with family and friends, however it is also a time when extra fire hazards are introduced to the home such as fairy lights, candles and decorations. By following our simple tips and advice people can ensure that they stay safe.

“Without doubt, the kitchen is the most hazardous room in people’s homes with over half of accidental house fires starting there. As a result four of our key messages this year focus specifically on the kitchen – keep your cooker clean, never leave cooking unattended, don’t drink and fry and chuck out your chip pan.

“We want people to remember Christmas 2012 for all the right reasons and not because they ended up in Accident & Emergency or lost a loved one through a tragic accident that could have been avoided.”

People are being urged to visit www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/celebrate to get detailed safety tips and advice as well as view safety videos.

To help keep you and your family safe from fire this festive season, call the Brigade on 01429-874063 for a free Home Fire Safety Visit and will fit smoke alarms if needed.