The festive period is a time for celebration, cosy lights and social gatherings - but it’s also a time when fire risks increase in the home. To help you and your family stay safe this Christmas, we’ve put together some key reminders to keep your celebrations joyful and safe.
Candles: use with care
Candles create a wonderful festive atmosphere, but they’re also a common source of house fires at Christmas.
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Keep candles well away from decorations, curtains, and Christmas trees.
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Always place them on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
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Never leave candles burning unattended, even for a short time.
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Consider using battery-operated LED candles as a safer alternative.
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Be aware of children and pets, and keep them away from lit candles.
Don’t leave cooking unattended
The kitchen is one of the most common places for fires during the holidays.
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If you're cooking Christmas dinner, stay in the kitchen - don’t leave pots or pans on the stove if you step away.
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Keep tea towels, packaging, and decorations well clear of the hob.
Avoid overloading electrical sockets
With extra lights, new gadgets, and festive decorations, it’s easy to overload power outlets.
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Plug in only what you need and avoid running lots of high-power devices from one socket.
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Use extension leads with surge protection rather than multi-way adapters.
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If something feels hot or smells unusual, unplug it immediately.
Check the wiring of Christmas lights
Fairy lights and Christmas decorations add magic to the season, but damaged wiring is a serious fire hazard.
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Before use, inspect cables for fraying, exposed wires, or cracked bulbs.
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Replace any lights that look worn - don’t attempt to repair them.
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Turn lights off at night and when leaving the house.
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Only use lights that are certified for indoor or outdoor use, as appropriate.
Test your smoke alarms
Working smoke alarms save lives.
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Press the test button on each alarm to ensure it’s working properly.
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Replace batteries if needed and clean away any dust that may affect performance.
What to do in the event of an electrical fire
If an electrical fire breaks out:
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Do NOT use water, as this can cause electrocution.
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If safe to do so, switch off the power at the socket or the fuse box.
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If the fire is spreading or you’re unsure - get out, stay out, and call 999 immediately.
Wishing all our customers a safe and happy festive season. Stay aware, stay prepared, and enjoy Christmas with peace of mind.