With Christmas just around the corner, let’s make Christmas not only a special time for celebration but also a safe 
time for celebration. The following are a few fire safety advice tips to help you make your home and family safe this Christmas.
Fairy Lights – as you know, there are a whole range of fairy lights from wreaths, garlands and outdoor lighting.
- First of all check that the fuses are the right type (you will find this important information by referring to the fairy lights’ box for the maximum size of fuse you should use).
- If any of bulbs have blown, replace them.
- Please do not leave any fairy lights on when you go out or when you nod off in the chair or go to bed. In other words, do not leave them unattended.
- If you display your presents around the tree, make sure that the bulbs do not touch anything that could burn easily, for instance, the wrapping paper.
- It’s tempting but please do not overload your sockets.
- Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598).
Decorations
- Decorations made of light tissue paper or cardboard can burn easily.
- It goes without saying that you must not attach decorations to lights or heaters.
- Please do not display your Christmas decorations above or around your fireplace.
- Make sure that all your decorations are kept at a safe distance from candles.
Christmas Trees
Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house because a burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.
Christmas Tree Selection
- Before buying your fresh Christmas tree, make sure that the needles are green and difficult to pull back from the branches. The needles should not break off if the tree has been freshly cut.
- Check out the trunk because it should be sticky to touch.
- Do not put up a tree too early because they will only last up to two weeks before becoming a fire hazard.
- Perhaps the Christmas tree sales person will not be happy with this approach but you can identify an old tree by bouncing the tree truck on the ground. If many needles fall off – buyer beware – because the tree has been cut too long, it’s probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
- An interesting thing to note is that the risk of fire is higher with natural trees than artificial ones.
- If you prefer to buy an artificial Christmas tree then make sure that there is a label identifying it as fire retardant.
Caring for Your Tree
- Do not place your tree close to a fireplace or heat vent because the heat will dry out the tree – it’s advisable to place your tree at least three feet from these heat sources
- Do not place the tree near a fireplace with a real fire because the heat, flames and sparks could easily ignite the tree.
- Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.
- Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it safely. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to your local recycling centre.
Lit Candles
Candles are becoming more and more popular whether its Christmas or not. Please remember never to place lit candles near your Christmas tree, decorations or furnishings and never leave a burning candle unattended.
May I take this opportunity of wishing you all a very merry, but safe, Christmas from DB Fire Safety Limited.
