General Fire Safety Guidance

Christmas Safety

The Christmas Festival time is when people get together and make merry it is sad to think that it could end in tragedy because of the extra hazards that are around at this time of year.

At Christmas your home is decorated with extra lights and candles, you may be cooking in a rush, there are usually more people in your home, some who may be drinking or smoking. The usual risks get bigger when you are relaxed or distracted so you need to be extra careful.

Christmas Tree

Natural Christmas trees are highly combustible, particularly as they dry out consequently extra fire precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree indoors. Do not put up the tree too early; leave it up for too long or place the tree too close to a heat source and never put tree branches or pine needles on a fire or in a wood burning stove. If choosing an artificial tree, make sure it has been pre-treated to increase flame resistance.

Lights

Check you Christmas tree lights conform to British Standard. Fairy lights and other kinds of decorative lights get used less often and need more attention. If bulbs blow – replace them. Don’t overload sockets and check the fuses. Make sure the bulbs don’t touch anything that can burn easily like paper and please turn them off when you go to bed or go out.

Streamers

Room decorations are made of light tissue paper and cardboard that burn easily. Do not attach them to lights or heaters. Keep them away from candles and definitely do not place near open fires.

Candles

There are twice as many candle fires as usual at Christmas. They are naked flames and need to be treated with respect! Make sure candles and tea lights are in heat resistant holders that will not fall over. Place them away from curtains, furniture, Christmas cards, under other surfaces (such as shelves), or where they may be knocked over by anyone passing by. Do not leave them burning in a room with no-one in and make sure they are completely out, not smouldering, when moving them or going to bed.

Christmas Presents

Christmas presents are a joy to receive but think about where you place them on the run up to Christmas morning. Be careful the wonderfully wrapped presents are not placed near an open fire, candles or other heat sources especially when you do not know what is in them!

Smoke Alarm

Smoke alarms in the home are important at any time of the year but essential at Christmas

Never take batteries from your smoke alarm to run toys or other gifts. When cleaning your house before your guests arrive remember to vacuum your alarm out to remove the dust

Fireplace

If you have an open fireplace but only use it in the Christmas festivities, make sure the chimney has been cleaned and swept. Do not hang stockings, garlands, or place cards on or around the fire. Place a fireguard in front of the fire and do not dispose of wrapping paper by burning on the fire.

Entertaining

A house full of people can result in more hazards than usual, particularly in the kitchen and especially if the drink has been flowing. Take extra care, do not overload electrical sockets and ensure leads and flexes are in good condition.

If leaving a turkey to cook overnight, ensure that you are familiar with the timer controls on your cooker and that the temperature is set correctly. Often cooking advice is included on the turkey's packaging but as a general guide, allow 18-20 minutes per 450g (1lb) at 190°C, 375°F, Gas Mark 5 (after the oven has preheated). If setting alight the Christmas pudding don’t pour the alcohol direct from the bottle and don’t add alcohol to the flame you could get a flashback.

Alcohol

Christmas and New Year is a high risk period for fire outbreak in the home. Disturbingly research indicates that alcohol is a pre-fire factor in almost four out of ten fire deaths. Cigarettes, chip pans, grill pans and candles become potentially lethal if used while under the influence of alcohol. So don’t over do it, consume alcohol in moderation. When you have people around for a party or some other occasion, think ahead; if your party includes smoker put out enough ashtrays, so that hot ash or cigarette ends do not get dropped in places like waste paper bins.

Fireworks

If you are planning a celebration that includes fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions and never go back to a lit firework. Keep a bucket of water handy and have consideration for the young, the old and animals.

Escape

If you have guests staying overnight make sure they know how to escape safely. Let them know where door keys are kept and how to open doors they are not familiar with. Take particular care of elderly people, children and people with disabilities.

Please follow County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service advice and we hope you have a very enjoyable fire free Christmas.



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