Keeping your home fire safe this winter

Decorations    

Decorations can catch alight and burn easily, don’t attach them to lights and keep them away from heaters, stoves and fireplaces.  If you live in a property with communal areas, please keep these clear of any items that can fuel a fire or prevent people from evacuating safely. This includes hanging wreaths, paper decorations or bunting in communal hallways or on front doors that open on to communal areas.     

If you’re hanging Christmas lights or decorating a tree in your home, check the lights are in good working order and conform to the British Standard. Be careful not to overload electrical sockets with lights or other electronics, and turn the lights off before bed.     

Candles, heaters and fireplaces    

Never leave burning candles unattended, and always keep them away from your Christmas tree and other decorations that can catch alight. Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of children. Or consider using LED candles.    

If you have an open fire or log burner in your home, make sure you’re burning only the recommended fuel like wood or coal. Never use liquids like petrol, or paper on your fire, only use kindling or firelighters. Use a fireguard in front of the fire to stop sparks from landing on furniture or carpets. Keep children and pets away from a fire, and never leave it unattended.     

In the kitchen    

The risk of fire-related accidents in the kitchen is higher if you’ve been drinking, so take care if you’re having a Christmas tipple. Most house fires start in the kitchen, so to prevent a burnt turkey, or something more serious, don’t leave your dinner cooking unattended. Keep flammable objects like tea towels away from cookers. And switch off the oven or hob if you leave the house.