Fire safety at Christmas Christmas is a time for celebration, but it also brings extra risks. Fires are 53% more likely on Christmas Day than an average day in the year. Take these steps to keep your home and loved ones safe...
Fire safety at Christmas Christmas is a time for celebration, but it also brings extra risks. Fires are 53% more likely on Christmas Day than an average day in the year. Take these steps to keep your home and loved ones safe...
Check your Christmas tree lights Only use lights that carry a recognised safety mark such as UKCA or CE. Inspect lights for frayed wires or broken bulbs before plugging in. Switch off and unplug lights before bed or leaving the house. Install and test smoke alarms Install smoke alarms on every level of your home – ideally in hallways and landings. Test your smoke alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button – if it doesn’t sound, replace immediately. Replace alarms every 10 years. Only remove batteries when replacing them. Take the free online home fire safety check
Candles Never place candles near your Christmas tree or things that can easily catch fire. Keep candles, lighters, and matches out of children’s reach. Never leave burning candles unattended. Careful cooking Most fires start in the kitchen – avoid leaving a cooker unattended. Never cook when under the influence of alcohol. Keep flammable items like tea towels and decorations away from the hob. Have an escape plan Make sure your family and visitors know how to escape in an emergency. Keep keys for doors and windows in an accessible place.
Electrical safety Only buy electrical items and chargers from reputable retailers. Never overload electrical sockets. Always switch off Christmas lights and unplug them before you go out or to bed. Lithium-ion batteries (for example, e-bikes, scooters, toys) – charge them using the manufacturer's recommended charger. Never charge them overnight or when you’re out. Decorations Decorations can burn easily – don’t attach them to lights or heaters. Keep them away from open flames and heat sources. Open fireplaces Take care around open fires – clothes can catch fire easily. Use a fireguard and keep flammable items at a safe distance. Cigarettes Make sure cigarettes are properly put out. Never smoke in bed or when tired.
Electrical safety Only buy electrical items and chargers from reputable retailers. Never overload electrical sockets. Always switch off Christmas lights and unplug them before you go out or to bed. Lithium-ion batteries (for example, e-bikes, scooters, toys) – charge them using the manufacturer's recommended charger. Never charge them overnight or when you’re out. Decorations Decorations can burn easily – don’t attach them to lights or heaters. Keep them away from open flames and heat sources.
Open fireplaces Take care around open fires – clothes can catch fire easily. Use a fireguard and keep flammable items at a safe distance. Cigarettes Make sure cigarettes are properly put out. Never smoke in bed or when tired.
Look out for others Check on older relatives and neighbours – they are at greater risk from fire. If you know someone who might need extra support, help them stay safe by requesting a free home fire safety visit. Book a home fire safety visit Need more detail? Take a look at Fire Kills Let's Prevent It: Fire Safety at Christmas (PDF).
Look out for others Check on older relatives and neighbours – they are at greater risk from fire. If you know someone who might need extra support, help them stay safe by requesting a free home fire safety visit. Book a home fire safety visit Need more detail? Take a look at Fire Kills Let's Prevent It: Fire Safety at Christmas (PDF).
Look out for others Check on older relatives and neighbours – they are at greater risk from fire. If you know someone who might need extra support, help them stay safe by requesting a free home fire safety visit. Book a home fire safety visit Need more detail? Take a look at Fire Kills Let's Prevent It: Fire Safety at Christmas (PDF).