The festive period is a time of celebration and as we’re all spending more time indoors at the moment it’s a great opportunity to make your home a little more cosy. Stay safe and sound with these fire safety tips for Christmas.
Decorations
We love decorations! Nothing feels more Christmassy than lights, baubles and a gorgeous tree. “Deck the halls with boughs of holly” is also one our favourite Christmas carols but when it comes to keeping everyone safe the lyrics need to be reined in a little. Whether it’s halls, front doors or communal areas we need to keep them clear which means saving decorations for only inside your homes please. We don’t want to be the Grinch that stole Christmas but on advice supported by our primary authority, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, decorations in communal areas are a major fire hazard and could block fire escape routes. We can’t take any chances to keep you, your families, and your neighbours safe.
If you’d like more information please look at the page on keeping communal areas clear.
Candles
If you’re bringing a little festive cheer into the home with candles here are some tips to make it a safe and cosy winter evening.
- Never leave burning candles unattended
- Keep candles, lighters and matches out of the reach of children
- Don’t place candles near your Christmas tree or materials that can easily catch light
- Consider LED candles which make a great alternative
In the kitchen
The risk of accidents in the kitchen is higher if you’ve been drinking alcohol so take care if you’re having a little Christmas tipple. Most fires start in the kitchen and to prevent a burnt turkey or something more serious make sure you don’t leave your Christmas dinner unattended, keep flammable objects such as tea towels clear, and switch off the oven and hob if you leave the house.
Christmas list
It’s not your traditional Christmas list but if we were making a list, and checking it twice, this list of safety measures is definitely worth remembering:
- Check Christmas lights are in good working order and conform to the British Standard
- Decorations can burn easily so don’t attach them to lights or heaters
- Be careful you don’t overload electrical sockets with too many Christmas lights and remember to turn them off before you go to bed.
- Make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished and don’t smoke in bed
- Test smoke alarms monthly and if you don’t have one, treat yourself to an early Christmas gift as it could be the best present you buy
- Make sure everyone in your household knows how to escape in an emergency
Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule or however you’re celebrating in December thank you in advance for helping us to keep you safe in your home and if you have any questions, please contact us.
Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season.
