Many of the things we enjoy over the festive period, such as fairy lights and candles, can all be fire hazards when proper care is not taken. Here are a few things to bear in mind to keep your Christmas and New Year safe.
Electrics
More than half of accidental fires are caused by electrics, particularly in December, when many of us start to increase our use of electrical appliances, whether it’s putting up lights or cooking up a family feast. You can keep hazards at bay by:
- Switching off fairy lights around your home or your Christmas tree overnight and when they’re not in use;
- Not overloading plug sockets;
- If you’re using an electric heater, keeping this well away from combustibles such as furniture;
- Keep your cooking space clear when rustling up that family feast – make sure items aren’t left lying near the hob when they’re not in use!
- Buying safe electrical gifts from reputable sellers, that aren’t likely to break or cause an accident.
Candles and tealights
- Put your candles or tea lights in snug-fitting holders on heat-resistant surfaces;
- Make sure all candles are completely extinguished before you go to bed or if you go out – never leave lit candles unattended;
- Place candles away from curtains and out of any draughts;
- Make sure there’s more than a meter between your candles or tea lights and any surface above;
- Keep well out of reach of children and pets.
Fireworks
Bonfire Night has come and gone, but fireworks are a popular part of many Christmas and New Year celebrations too – if you’re planning on hosting fireworks, remember that it’s against the law to set fireworks off between 11pm and 7am, or between midnight and 7am on Bonfire Night, and 1am and 7am on Diwali, New Year, or Chinese New Year.
Stick to the code:
- Fireworks must be marked UKCA or CE and must not be sold to anyone under 18;
- Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time;
- Always read the instructions;
- Light the fireworks at arm’s length with a taper and then stand well back – do not return to them!
- Never throw fireworks or put them in your pockets.
You can read more firework safety tips on the Manchester Fire website:
For further information on fire safety in your home:
- Visit: our fire safety web page
