hertsdirect.org Twelve tips for festive fire safety

Twelve tips for festive fire safety

Christmas and New Year makes the average home much more prone to accidental fire. So here are twelve festive tips...

On the 1st day of Christmas - Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment (safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power).
On the 2nd day of Christmas - Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings. Don't leave them burning unattended.
On the 3rd day of Christmas - Make sure your family and visitors staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency. Practice a fire escape plan.
On the 4th day of Christmas - Decorations can burn easily - Don't attach them to lights or heaters.
On the 5th day of Christmas – Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, unless they’re designed to stay on. Take special care with Christmas lights. Always switch off and unplug Christmas lights before you go to bed.
On the 6th day of Christmas - Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.
On the 7th day of Christmas - Most fires start in the kitchen - never leave cooking unattended.
On the 8th day of Christmas - If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.
On the 9th day of Christmas - Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.
On the 10th day of Christmas - Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.
On the 11th day of Christmas - Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of children.
On the 12th day of Christmas - Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas - make sure they are fire safe.