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Christmas is a special time for celebration which should not end in tragedy because of the extra hazards that are present at this time of year.
Over the Christmas and New Year period people spend more time at home and whilst people are celebrating with friends and family, everyday fire risks increase. People are more likely to be distracted and therefore vulnerable to accidental fires. Follow the link to find out more about celebrating safely.
Christmas trees, fairy lights, candles, smoking and drinking alcohol whilst cooking all pose fire risks during the festive period. To find out more about choosing and decorating your Christmas tree by following the link our Christmas Tree Safety Tips.
By taking a few simple steps this Christmas, and following our 12 days of Christmas Safety Tips, the risk of fire around the home can be reduced, enabling everyone to enjoy a happy and fire safe Christmas.
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
- Always choose a freshly cut tree. To test a tree, strike the stump down on a firm surface. If the needles fall off, the tree is too dry. Place the tree in a stand which can be filled with water. The tree could absorb as much as a gallon of water in the first day.
- Use wire or nylon cord to secure the tree to the wall or ceiling to prevent it from being knocked over by children or pet.
- Place the tree well away from sparks and open flame.
- Always keep the tree well watered. Check and refill often.
- Use only non-combustible decorations.
- Check and replace any worn or damaged light sets.
- Use BS approved lights and NEVER USE CANDLES!
- Disconnect lights at bedtime or when unattended.
- Use miniature lights that produce less heat.
- Ensure there is a working smoke detector installed in your home.
- Don’t burn tree branches in the fireplace – they can throw off large amounts of heat, causing fire. Christmas trees also produce an oily soot which may damage the fireplace.
Decorative Lights
- Check the maximum amps that can be handles by the fuse in the plug.
- If bulbs blow, replace them.
- Turn decorative lights off at night and when you go out.
- Don’t let bulbs touch anything that can burn easily like paper or fabrics.
Candles
- Don’t leave them unattended.
- Put them out completely at night.
- Keep them away from anything that can catch fire, like Christmas trees.
- Make sure they’re in secure holders on a heat resistant surface.
More Candle Safety Advice
Decorations
- Given half a chance, paper decorations will burn.
- Use your common sense and keep decorations and greetings cards away from heaters, lights, the fireplace and candles.
Fireworks
- Only buy fireworks marked with British Safety Standards 7114 and always read the instructions.
More Fireworks Safety Advice
Parties
- Let your guests know where to find the door and window keys.
- Look out for elderly people, children and anyone with problems getting about.
- Make sure exists are kept clear.
- If people are smoking put out extra ashtrays and make sure all cigarettes are put our properly.
- Cigarettes are hotter than you think – they burn at a temperature of 700 Degrees Celsius!
More Smoking Safety Advice
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