Stay safe in your home this Christmas [Archived]

Fire safety tips

• Decorations can burn easily - so don’t attach them to lights or heaters
• Please keep communal areas free from clutter and decorations
• We would advise that you don’t use candles, but if you do - please never place them near your Christmas tree or materials that can catch fire easily, such as paper, fabric or plastic surfaces
• Keep candles, lighters and matches out of the reach of children and never leave burning candles unattended
• Never overload electrical sockets and always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed or leave the house
• Check wires are not frayed and cables are connected to the plug before using any electrical items
• Ensure electrical items have a British or European safety mark
• Don’t charge mobile phones and laptops overnight or when you go out
• Most fires start in the kitchen. Never leave cooking unattended or drink alcohol while you’re cooking
• If you have bought fireworks, store them safely, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby
• Take care around electric heaters for items that might catch fire (like furniture, curtains, or bedding)
• Always take time to check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas, make sure they are safe and aware of these fire safety tips, as they are at a greater risk from fire.