Keeping your home fire safe this holiday season

Annually, Christmas trees, candles and decorations are responsible for fires within the home.

Follow our simple fire safety tips to ensure you have a safe and happy holiday season.

 

Christmas trees

Christmas trees are incredibly flammable.

• If you’ve chosen a real tree, pick one that is younger and newly felled. Drier trees have the potential to be more flammable.
• Check your trees water level regularly to ensure your tree is as hydrated as possible.
• A Christmas tree surrounded by furniture has the potential to spread fire across your home.

Christmas lights

Christmas lights are one of the most popular decorations during the festive season, but are also one of the biggest fire hazards due to the heat that builds the longer they’re turned on.

• Consider replacing older lights with new ones, as electric faults are more likely to happen with old lights.
• Always check the condition of your lights before putting them up, including checking wiring and making sure cords aren’t damaged.
• Don’t use outdoor lights inside. Lights designed to be outside may pose risks when used inside.
• If you’re using outdoor lights make sure all wires and connections are rated for the outdoors. Don’t pass wires through windows as this can damage the cable and window.
• Never overload sockets and never plug an extension lead into another extension lead.
• Be sure to check the wattage of each individual appliance and check sockets regularly for changes, overheating or marks.
• Make sure that your lights are turned off at night or when you’re not home.

Candles

Candles are one of the common causes of fires in the home.

Did you know that flameless LED candles are a much safer alternative to real candles or tea lights?

• Never leave candles, incense sticks and oil burners unattended.
• Make sure you put candles out when you leave the room and especially before bed.
• Keep candles in heat-resistant holders placed on a stable surface.
• Never put candles close to anything that can catch fire, such as curtains, papers, furniture and clothes.
• Close nearby windows to prevent curtains from being blown over candles.
• To avoid accidents, always keep candles and all naked flames (including matches and lighters) out of the reach of children and pets.
• Be aware that tea lights get very hot and without proper holders can melt through plastic surfaces like a TV or bath.

Decorations

Many holiday decorations are made from flammable materials such as tissue paper, cardboard, card and wood. 

• Never attach decorations directly onto lights or heaters.
• Keep decorations far away from candles.
• Keep decorations and cards away from the fireplace as they can pose an ignition risk.

Ensure you don’t leave cooking unattended and make sure family and visitors know how to escape your home in the event of an emergency.

Be sure to regularly test your fire/smoke alarm throughout the holiday season.