In this week's Choose 999 column, we hear from the Cumbria Fire and Rescue service who have provided a very handy festive-themed checklist to ensure everyone stays safe this Christmas.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service have launched their 12 Days of Fire Safety Christmas Campaign. The campaign features front-line Firefighters from fire stations throughout the county. The campaign aims to raise the profile of the dangers associated with regular Christmas activities such as; Christmas decorations, chimneys, candles, smoke alarms, escape plans and much more.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service will be sharing a range of informative resources via their social media channels.

Keep safe this Christmas:

1. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Safety Standard.

2. Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings. Don't leave them burning unattended.

3. Make sure your family know what to do in the event of an emergency. Practice a fire escape plan.

4. Decorations can burn easily; don't attach them to lights or heaters.

5. Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, take special care with Christmas lights. Always switch off and unplug Christmas lights before you go to bed.

6. Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.

7. Most fires start in the kitchen - never leave cooking unattended.

8. If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby. Make sure you follow the Fireworks Code.

9. Make sure candles and cigarettes and extinguished properly; put it out, right out.

10. Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.

11. Be aware to not overload electrical sockets. Most people have extension leads in their homes, using 4-way bar adaptors to increase the number of appliances that they can plug into a wall socket.

12. You can request a FREE Safe and Well visit from Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service.

Safe and Well Visits aim to help people live independently and deal with any potential fire hazards in their homes.

During the visit, we will carry out a home fire safety assessment, where we can help you design a fire escape plan so that you and your family will know how to react and escape if you have a fire.

You can find out more information here: https://cumbria.gov.uk/cumbriafire/services/safetyathome/default.asp

Alongside this very helpful guide, extra details can be found there which will ensure you have a safe and merry time this year.

Merry Christmas from all at Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.