Christmas is the most magical time of the year! But with more guests in our homes and things like fairy lights, candles, decorations and increased alcohol consumption, there is also an increased fire risk around the festive period. That’s why we have put together this list of fire safety tips so that you can keep yourself and your family and friends safe this Christmas.

Test your smoke alarms

If you haven’t tested your smoke alarms recently, now is a great time to do so. Knowing your smoke alarms are in good working order should provide you with some peace of mind and help to keep your family safe.

Be careful with candles

We all love some festive candles to create a cosy atmosphere, but they also pose a fire risk if not used responsibly. Never place candles near your Christmas tree or near anything flammable, and never leave any candles unattended. You should also make sure to keep candles and lighters out of reach of children.

Choose your artificial tree carefully

If you are opting for an artificial tree this year, make sure to choose carefully. Check the label to ensure that it is flame resistant. This will help to prevent potential fires.

Water your tree (if it’s real)

If you are getting a real tree this Christmas, make sure that you water it regularly. Trees that aren’t watered can become very dry which makes them a significant fire hazard in the home. A small spark can cause a tree to go up in flames in seconds. So be sure to keep your Christmas tree nice and hydrated. You can also consider spraying your tree with fire retardant spray to prevent it from catching alight.

Make sure your Christmas lights are safe

You should make sure that your Christmas lights carry the British Safety Standard sign. You should also check your Christmas lights for any damage like split wiring before you put them up. And of course, don’t forget to switch off your lights before you head to bed or when nobody is in the house.

Place your decorations carefully

Don’t place any of your Christmas decorations near candles or fireplaces. You also shouldn’t attach decorations to lights or heaters as decorations can burn easily.

Don’t overload electrical sockets

Never overload your electrical sockets or extension leads. Stick to one plug per socket, and always turn off plugs before you go to bed. You can get your family to help going around the house and making sure everything is off.

Be responsible with your Christmas cooking

Most fires start in the kitchen. And the kitchen can be particularly hectic at Christmas time as you try to multitask and serve all of your guests. There can also be a lot of distractions which can take your focus away from your cooking. You should never leave your cooking unattended and make sure to keep pets and children away from the cooking area. It is also not a good idea to cook if you have consumed a reasonable amount of alcohol.

Check on older neighbours and relatives

Older people are at a greater risk of fire this festive period. It’s a good idea to take some time to check on them and to make sure there are no obvious fire hazards in their homes.

Make sure your family and guests know how to escape

If an emergency arises, it is important for your family and guests know the quickest way to escape. You should also ensure that escape routes are kept clear of any obstructions.

We hope that you have found these Christmas fire safety tips helpful, and that you have a wonderful (and safe) festive period! You can check out some more safety tips here. Make sure you are following us over on our social medias to keep up with our latest news and product updates. Find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Tags: christmas, fire, firesafety, safety, xmas