Who doesn’t like to brighten up their home at this time of year, especially when the days are long and dark?

Whether you go full-on festive or prefer more subtle seasonal decs, it’s important to keep safe. Here are our top fire safety tips to see you through to new year – and beyond!

Christmas trees

If you have a real tree, bear in mind they can dry out and become a fire hazard, so make sure you:

• keep it well-watered
• place it away from heat sources
• check your local council website to find out their tree collection day in January.

Fairy lights

• Remember not to overload sockets with multiple plugs, especially from multiple strings of fairly lights
• Turn all the lights off before you go to bed and whenever you go out
• Don’t let the bulbs touch anything that can easily burn

Candles and tea lights

• Don’t put candles or tea lights on your tree – make sure they’re securely placed in proper holders on flat, heat-resistant surfaces, away from cards, decorations, curtains, or any other fabric.
• Before you go to bed, double check that any candles or tea lights are completely put out.
• Make sure there’s more than a metre between your candles or tea lights and any surface above
• If there are children or pets around, keep candles and tea lights well out of reach.

E-bikes and e-scooters

Giving or getting an e-bike or e-scooter this year? If so, it’s really important to be aware that the number of incidents, including fatal fires, is rising year on year. To help reduce the risks related to charging and storage, please follow these essential do’s and don’ts:

• Don’t store them in communal areas, near the entrance to your home or anywhere near a through route or escape route. If you have a garage or shed, store them there.
• The main risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters are related to the lithium batteries and fires that can get out of control very quickly when you’re charging them. Always make sure your battery and charger meet UK safety standards and only buy official ones from a reputable seller.
• Don’t modify your battery or charger in any way – always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• As soon as your e-bike or e-scooter is charged, unplug the charger. Never leave them charging overnight.
• Make sure there’s a smoke alarm in the area where you charge your e-bike or e-scooter and test it regularly.

The National Fire Chief Council’s website also has useful information and advice on how to store and charge e-bikes and e-scooters safely.

Smoke alarms

The most important thing you can do to stay safe over Christmas is check that your smoke alarms are working. If they aren’t, please let us know as soon as possible by contacting us at [email protected].