Many of the things we enjoy over the Christmas period, such as the fairy lights, trees and decorations, can all be fire hazards when proper care is not taken. Here are some timely tips for a safe and merry Christmas:

• Make sure Christmas decorations do not obstruct fire exits, signs, fire doors or fire safety systems including smoke detectors and call points.
• Keep escape routes clear of decorations, displays of presents or combustible items where they could restrict escape or support the spread of flames.
• Don’t use candles or any type of naked flame as decorations.
• Use LED Christmas lights – they are low voltage and give off little heat.
• Use artificial flame retardant trees, natural trees are flammable. If you have a natural tree then ensure it is watered daily. Dried out trees are highly flammable and should be removed.
• Check lights, cables and other electrical equipment are CE marked or Kitemarked. Any equipment with frayed wires, broken or cracked plugs, kinks and/or bare wires should be thrown away.
• Make sure Christmas tree lights, other decorations and electrical gadgets such as chargers are switched off and unplugged at night.
• Decorations can easily burn – do not attach them to lights or heaters.
• Don’t overload or ‘piggy back’ extension leads. Always use fused extensions long enough for the task.
• Lock away combustible loose playground equipment; tyres, logs, planks, plastic toys etc.

Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas.