Ensuring a Merry & Safe Christmas: Fire Safety Tips for the Festive Season
The Christmas season is a time for joy, celebrating and creating memories with our family and friends. However, amongst the twinkling lights, decorations and warmth of the festivities, it’s essential to prioritise safety especially when it comes to fire hazards that can pose significant risks during this time of the year.
The combination of candles, decorative lights, Christmas trees and cooking activities can increase the likelihood of fire incidents. December is one of the peak months for fires caused by candles and other electrical issues.
Follow our Festive Fire Safety tips to ensure a safe season this Christmas:
- Careful use of Lights and Electrical Decorations: Inspect all lights and decorations for any signs of damage before use. Avoid overloading electrical plug sockets and using damaged cords. Check that they conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598). Always turn off when leaving the premises and perhaps consider using a timer for lights to automatically switch off at a certain time to prevent overheating.
- Christmas Tree Safety: Position Christmas trees away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators or heaters and ensure the location does not compromise any escape routes. If you have a live Christmas tree, ensure it stays hydrated to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard and as an added bonus it should live longer!
- Mindful Candle Use: Candles pose a significant fire hazard if not used cautiously. To achieve a festive ambience without the risk of fire, an alternative is to use flameless LED candles. If using traditional candles, keep them away from any flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
- Smoke Alarms and Fire Escape Plans: Smoke alarms need to be working correctly and therefore require regular testing to ensure compliance. Replace batteries if needed. Fire escape plans need to be in place, identifying multiple exits and appropriate fire assembly points out.
- Kitchen Safety Measures: Cooking is a central part of the festive celebrations; however, it is also the leading cause of fires. Never leave the kitchen unattended when cooking and keep flammable items such as kitchen towels and oven mitts away from cooker hobs and ovens. Consider having a fire extinguisher or fire blanket nearby and know how to use it correctly.
By following these festive fire safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire incidents and ensure a safe and secure festive season. Remember, prioritising safety enhances the joy of the season and allows everyone to cherish the festivities without worry!
