Over this year’s Christmas break, it is important to keep safe and be aware of the dangers that put lives and property at risk. Every year, local fire brigades tackle blazes that arise from domestic fires caused by multiple hazards at Christmas time.
To ensure you remain safe this festive season, you can follow some seasonal fire safety tips outlined below:
- Keep tealights and candles away from Christmas trees, curtains or furnishings. Do not leave any open flames unattended.
- Keep real fir Christmas trees watered – our 3-2-1 Spray offers effective passive fire protection.
- Check that your Christmas tree lights and all electrical appliances are compliant with safety standards and always switch them off before going to bed.
- Check that any Christmas lights are not faulty or have damaged wiring to prevent malfunctioning.
- Ensure any new electrical appliances have a British or European safety mark.
- Make sure plug sockets are not overloaded – use this Overloaded Calculator to double check.
- Keep decorations away from lights, heaters and radiators.
- Don’t leave cooking unattended and turn off appliances when not in use.
- Test your smoke alarms to make sure they are working. You can also fit a heat alarm in the kitchen to detect an increase in temperaure in the event of a fire.
- Avoid smoking indoors to prevent fire risks.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service have also put together some helpful information and a video to help keep you safe this Christmas.
