After the challenges this year has presented, many people have already got into the spirit of the festive season and homes across the UK are twinkling with fairy lights and Christmas cheer.
But it is important to make sure that along with the fun, you aren’t taking dangerous risks with your safety. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe during over the next few weeks:
Christmas Trees
A "real" Christmas tree is still a very popular choice, but a real tree can catch fire a lot quicker than a fire retardant artificial one, so consider buying one of the huge array of fake Christmas trees that are available.
If you do have a real Christmas tree, make sure that you keep it well watered. Real trees can absorb up to a litre of water a day and it's important that you don't let it dry out.
Do not spray hairspray on the pine needles to stop them dropping off - it's VERY flammable!
Keep the tree well away from heat sources, particularly portable heaters.
Christmas Lights
Make sure your lights are safe. 85% of people decorate their tree with colourful lights but they can be an electrical safety risk.
After 12 months packed away Christmas lights can easily have become electrically unsafe. Check they are not damaged or broken before use and look out for loose wires.
Replace failed lamps immediately to prevent overheating and use only replacement bulbs of the same type and rating as those originally supplied with the lights.
One in twelve people confess to leaving their Christmas lights on overnight, potentially endangering their household as lights can overheat and create a fire hazard. Give the lights a break - switch them off when you are not there to enjoy them.
Don’t overload sockets and try to avoid the use of extension leads or adaptors – they are a trip hazard as well as a fire hazard.
Ensure all plugs and transformers are plugged in indoors, even if the lighting is suitable for outdoor use.
Download the Firechief fire safety checklist.
With an average of around 102 fires per day in December, remember that Christmas can be a risky time of year as well as a jolly one!
Here at Firechief, we want you to feel safe. Our mission is to work hard every day to protect lives and property from fire by providing a range of fire safety products that can be trusted to perform when the heat is on.
The Firechief range includes high performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits and lithium battery fire extinguishers.
For more information, call us on 0330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.