12 days of Christmas fire safety
The festive season is a time when extra fire hazards can be in the home. To reduce the risk of fire over the holidays here are 12 simple tips you can follow:
1. Check your Christmas tree lights carry the British Safety Standard sign.
2. Never place candles near your Christmas tree or materials that can catch light easily.
3. Test your smoke alarms monthly and only remove batteries when replacing them.
4. Most fires start in the kitchen. Avoid leaving a cooker unattended. Avoid cooking when under the influence of alcohol.
5. Make sure your family and visitors know how to escape in an emergency.
6. Make sure cigarettes are put out properly.
7. Decorations can burn easily – so don’t attach them to lights or heaters.
8. Keep candles, lighters and matches out of children’s reach and never leave burning candles unattended.
9. Never overload electrical sockets. Beware of using unbranded or counterfeit batteries or chargers.
10. Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed.
11. Take care around portable heaters or fireplaces, as clothes may catch fire.
12. Take time to check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas as they are at greater risk from fire. They may be entitled to a free home safety fire check.
Please check our fire safety webpages for more information about keeping safe in your home.