Fire Safety around Christmas

The festive season is so exciting with all the decorations coming out, children playing, friends visiting and party food being cooked, and this is why we need to be even more aware of potential fire hazards.

We've got a few reminders to help ensure your winter holidays are safe.

Home safety

It's a good idea to test your smoke alarms now to make sure they are in working order before the Christmas festivities really kick in.

Keep paper decorations, fairy lights and the tree away from fires, electric heaters, and vents.

Ensure all your electrical appliances are in working order, and replace any frayed cords or broken plugs.

Be careful with candles, tea lights, and incense. Never leave them unattended and use stable, heat-resistant holders. Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.

Fairy lights

Check the fuses for your farity lights are the right type (see the box for the maximum size of fuse you should use).

Don’t leave fairy lights on when you go out or when you go to sleep. Ensure the bulbs aren't touching anything that can burn easily, like paper.

Also, be mindful of not overloading sockets – make sure you know the voltage limit.

Paper decorations

Decorations made of light tissue paper or cardboard will burn easily, so don’t attach them to lights or heaters.

Always keep them away from candles, tea lights, and incense, and never put them immediately above or around the fireplace or near curtains.

Real Christmas trees

Don’t place a live tree near a heat source such as a fireplace or heat vent.

Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

If you'd like more helpful tips on how you can keep your family safe all year round, contact your local Fire Service to arrange a free home fire safety visit.

If you need any more help, please contact Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100.