Christmas
Have you ever left the Christmas tree lights on or forgotten to put a candle out before bed?
It's easy to do after a couple of drinks.
In the video below the room is turned into an inferno with toxic smoke in less than a minute. Would you be able to get your family out of the house in time?
Christmas should be a time for fun and celebration. Follow our advice to ensure your Christmas is safe and happy.
- Check your Christmas tree lights carry the British Safety Standard sign.
- Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed.
- Never place candles near your Christmas tree or materials that can catch light easily.
- Test the batteries in your smoke alarm every week. Never remove them.
- Most fires start in the kitchen. Avoid leaving a cooker unattended.
- Make sure your family and visitors know how to escape in an emergency.
- Make sure cigarettes are put out properly
- Decorations can burn easily – so don’t attach them to lights or heaters.
- Keep candles, lighters and matches out of children’s reach.
- Ensure candles are kept away from cards, decorations and furniture which could catch fire.
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Take care around open fireplaces as clothes may catch fire.
- Never overload electrical sockets.
- Take time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas as they are at greater risk from fire.