Let’s make sure the festive season is safe as well as fun | Tenant news

It’s that time of year again when the fairy lights, candles and cookers in our homes are all working overtime with friends and family visiting, and children and pets under your feet – so let’s talk safety.

Here are a few reminders to help ensure the festive season is all about the fun and frolics rather than accidents and ambulances.

Christmas trees

Don’t place a real tree near a heat source such as a gas fire, open fire or heat vent. Also be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ash near the tree. Most importantly keep electric leads, for any tree lights that plug into a socket, well away from the water in the tree stand or pot.

Fairy lights

Ensure the fuse in your fairy lights plug, or any other lights you’ve plugged into a main socket, are the right type (see the box for size of fuse you should use). Also, be mindful of not overloading sockets – know the voltage limit. We advise that you turn off any electricity powered Christmas decorations (even on a plastic tree) if you’re going out, and before you go to bed.

Lithium batteries

If you must recharge a decoration or fancy light that has a lithium battery, always read the safety instructions, and use the charger that comes with the device. Charge the device on a flat, surface, and never charge lithium batteries when you’re sleeping or if you’re leaving home. Also, don’t leave the batteries charging after the charge cycle is complete. These batteries can be a fire-risk if over-charged, short-circuited or damaged. They’re also very sensitive to high temperatures.

Paper decorations

Decorations made of light tissue paper or cardboard will burn easily. It goes without saying that any kind of paper decoration must be kept well away from hot Christmas lights, candles, tea lights, and incense. And never put them near curtains or above a gas fire or other indoor heater.

Smoke Alarms

Before you even put up a fairy light, it’s a good idea to test your smoke alarms. If you haven’t tested them, it’s never too late. If it’s easy for you or a household member to do so, check now to ensure they’re in good working order to keep you safe throughout the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Electrical appliances

Take a look at your electrical appliances and replace any frayed cords or broken plugs. Particularly those that are plugged in all the time – such as the TV, CD player or microwave. And while we’re talking kitchen stuff, make sure you don’t leave pots unattended on the hob. And of course, keep lighters and matches out of reach of children.

Friends and family

If you’ve got a group of friends or family staying with you over the holiday season, you might even want to carry out a fire risk assessment and earmark a couple of people to show where any firefighting or first aid equipment is.

If you need any more help and advice on how you can keep your family safe from fire not just at Christmas, but all year round, contact your local Fire Service to arrange a free home fire safety visit.