Deck the halls this Christmas time, but don’t forget about fire safety! Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one
- Did you know that last year, electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two of every five (44%) home Christmas tree fires?
- Did you know that two of every five (39%) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room? Five percent were chimney or flue fires. One-fifth (21%) of the decoration fires started in the kitchen. Sixteen percent started in the living room or family room.
- Did you know that almost three of every five (57%) December home decoration fires were started by candles, compared to one-third (32%) in January to November?
Here at Wessex Fire and Security, we have fire safety specialists who have come up with simple yet life saving tips regarding fire safety this Christmas. Additionally, you can follow the link at the end of these tips to learn more about our extensive range of fire products and services. Act before it’s too late, get in touch with us and let us help make your home a safe, secure and fire risk free environment this Christmas.
Tip #1
Check to make sure your Christmas tree lights carry the British Safety Standard Sign and don’t overload plug sockets! Electricity is often overlooked as a possible fire hazard. This may be because there is no flame. However, some 28,000 fires in the home are reported each year as being caused by electrical faults, accidents or misuse of electrical equipment.
Tip #2
Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings and don’t leave them burning unattended. A few candles scattered round a room can lend a warm glow to an evening, but please remember that candles also bring fire into your home – so they need to be treated carefully.
Tip #3
Some decorations may be flammable, so try not attach them or have them in close range of any lights or heaters.
Tip #4
When no one is home, or when everyone is about to go off to bed, make sure all electrical appliances are switched off and not left on overnight. Electrical Appliances are known to overheat when left on for a long duration, so please don’t be lazy and give the switch a quick flick!
Tip #5
A lot of fires start in the kitchen when food is left unattended. We know that people like to drink during Christmas but don’t be silly and save it for after the cooking! Remember, alcohol is extremely flammable. So, drink smart.
Tip #6
Use Christmas as a reminder to clean out your smoke alarm. Smoke alarms save lives – buying and fitting smoke alarms could help you to save your home and the lives of your family this Christmas.
Tip #7
Make sure to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this festive season. Are they as safe from fire as they could be? Don’t let something that could take minutes, change the rest of your life.
If you’re in doubt about Fire Safety this Christmas time, please click on this link to look at the fire services we have to offer and to find out how we can help make your home safe and secure from fire.
