Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year officially begins at Midnight on Saturday 10 February 2024.

For many, it’s a time to celebrate the end of an old year and the beginning of a new one, this can be done at home by cooking special meals for family and friends.

With people spending more time at home - cooking while entertaining or relaxing with family or friends, the risk of fire increases. People are more likely to be distracted during this time of year and therefore are more vulnerable to fire.

Preparing and cooking foods during Lunar New Year often involves high cooking temperatures, hot oil and multiple pans.

We know from our statistics that most fires start in the kitchen - never leave cooking unattended. When cooking deep-fried food, dry it before you put it in the hot oil. If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave the pan to cool. Never fill the pan more than one-third full of oil. Never throw water over the pan.

More information on safe cooking is available - Cooking safety advice

Lunar New Year - safety tips

By taking just a few simple precautions you can greatly reduce the risk of fire:

• 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. Candle safety tips

• Treat fireworks with great caution - only buy fireworks marked with British Safety Standard 7114 and always read the instructions.  Fireworks safety tips

• We would encourage you not to use flying lanterns - but if you do use them then please always read the manufacturers instructions before using them.   Lantern safety tips

• Avoid overloading electrical sockets - try to remember, one plug - one socket. If you must have more plugs connected always use a fused adaptor. Electrical fire safety

• Fit working smoke alarms on each floor level in your home - Consider buying a ten year alarm - otherwise test the alarm once a week and change the batteries every year.  Smoke alarms