Fire safety at Christmas

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Fire safety is particularly important at Christmas time. Christmas is a time of merriment and fun but, research indicates that alcohol was a pre-fire factor in almost 40% of fire deaths in the last two years.

Practising good fire prevention habits will help you to reduce the risk of fire in the home.

Christmas Fire Safety Tips

Christmas Trees

  • Place real Christmas trees securely in a sturdy base filled with water – metal stands cause trees to dry out and become flammable
  • Check water level daily
  • Ensure artificial trees have been pre-treated to increase flame resistance
  • Dispose of tree properly – never burn a real tree in the fireplace

Christmas Lights

  • Only buy Christmas lights marked with a safety standard
  • Check all wiring and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Make sure a competent person checks all connections and examines the wiring for fraying
  • If in doubt, throw them out
  • Don’t overload sockets
  • Unplug all Christmas lights and electrical appliances before leaving your home or going to bed
  • Ensure lights are suitable for outdoor use
  • Fasten the bulbs securely and point the sockets down to stop moisture building up
  • Never use indoor extension leads outside.
  • Keep outdoor electrical connections above ground and out of puddles and snow
  • Ensure trees hung with Christmas lights are not touching power lines

Candles

  • Don't leave candles burning in a room with no one in it
  • Don't put candles in or by a Christmas tree, plants, flowers or foliage. Ribbons and other decorations around the candleholder could also catch fire
  • Never use candles on Christmas trees, even artificial ones
  • Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents and air currents
  • Always use an appropriate candleholder placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface
  • Keep candles away from curtains and furniture and never place them under shelves
  • Situate candles in an appropriate location away from areas where they could be easily knocked over or where people could collide with them causing injury
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets
  • Extinguish a candle if it smokes or flickers repeatedly or if the flame becomes too high
  • Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times
  • Do not burn a candle for longer than manufacturer recommends
  • Extinguish candles before moving them
  • Never go to sleep with a candle still burning
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