u003ch5u003eChristmas is a special time of year, and we want to help you enjoy it safely. With celebrations and decorations, a few simple checks can help protect you, your family and your home.u003c/h5u003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch5u003eu003cstrongu003eLooking Out For Each Other at Christmas u003c/strongu003eu003c/h5u003ernCheck in on older neighbours or anyone who may be spending Christmas alone. If you’re away for the holidays, let a trusted neighbour know.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch5u003eu003cstrongu003eChristmas Trees and Decorationsu003c/strongu003eu003c/h5u003ernu003ch6u003eu003cstrongu003eReal treesu003c/strongu003eu003c/h6u003ernWater your tree daily. Dry trees can catch fire very quickly and always keep it away from fireplaces, heaters and open flames.rnu003ch6u003eu003cstrongu003eArtificial treesu003c/strongu003eu003c/h6u003ernChoose a fire-retardant model where possible and make sure it isn’t blocking a hallway, doorway or escape route.rnu003ch6u003eu003cstrongu003eDecorationsu003c/strongu003eu003c/h6u003ernKeep decorations well away from cookers, heaters and candles and avoid hanging anything that could fall onto a heat source.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch5u003eu003cstrongu003eChristmas Lights and Electricsu003c/strongu003eu003c/h5u003ernu003ch6u003eu003cstrongu003eBefore you put lights upu003c/strongu003eu003c/h6u003ernCheck for frayed wires, cracked bulbs or loose connections. Only use lights marked with u003cstrongu003eCEu003c/strongu003e or u003cstrongu003eBSu003c/strongu003e standards and indoor lights should only be used indoors; outdoor lights outdoors.rnu003ch6u003eu003cstrongu003eUsing plugs and extension leads safelyu003c/strongu003eu003c/h6u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eInspect leads for damaged wires or melted plastic.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eAvoid u003cstrongu003edaisy chainingu003c/strongu003e (plugging one extension into another).u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eUse u003cstrongu003eone extension lead per socketu003c/strongu003e.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eStop using any lead that feels hot, sparks or shows scorch marks.u003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003ch6u003eu003cstrongu003ePower ratingsu003c/strongu003eu003c/h6u003ernCheck that the combined wattage of your lights does not exceed your extension lead’s rating (usually u003cstrongu003e13 amps / 3000 wattsu003c/strongu003e).rnu003ch6u003eu003cstrongu003eTurn lights off at nightu003c/strongu003eu003c/h6u003ernSwitch off and unplug lights and decorations before going to bed or leaving the house.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch5u003eu003cstrongu003eCandles and Open Flamesu003c/strongu003eu003c/h5u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eAlways use proper holders on a stable surface.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eKeep candles away from tinsel, Christmas cards and wrapping paper.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eNever leave candles unattended.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eMake sure all candles are out before you go to bed.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eConsider LED candles for a safer alternative.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch5u003eu003cstrongu003eAlcohol and fire risksu003c/strongu003eu003c/h5u003ernIf you’ve been drinking, please avoid cooking, smoking or using candles. Alcohol slows reaction times, and many fires start when someone becomes distracted.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch5u003eu003cstrongu003eKitchen Safetyu003c/strongu003eu003c/h5u003ernChristmas cooking can be hectic and distracting, never leave cooking unattended. Keep tea towels, packaging and decorations away from the hob. Turn pan handles inwards where possible and if a pan catches fire, do not use water. Turn off the heat if it’s safe to do so and cover with a lid.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch5u003eu003cstrongu003eEvening safety routineu003c/strongu003eu003c/h5u003ernA quick nightly check can reduce risks. Alway close internal doors and turn off and unplug appliances not in use. Extinguish all candles and never charge phones, e-cigarettes or devices overnight.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch5u003eu003cstrongu003eEscape routesu003c/strongu003eu003c/h5u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eKeep hallways and exits clear of gifts, wrapping and decorations.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eMake sure everyone in the home knows how to get out safely.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eMake sure keys are easy to reach.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ePractice your escape plan with children if you can.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch5u003eu003cstrongu003eSmoke Alarms Save Livesu003c/strongu003eu003c/h5u003ernTest alarms u003cstrongu003eonce a monthu003c/strongu003e by pressing the test button, replace batteries when needed and if your alarm isn’t working, please let us know and we’ll support you.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnIf you are ever unsure about something in your home, please get in touch with us.rnrn📞u003cstrongu003e01609 767900u003c/strongu003ern📧 u003ca href=u0022mailto:info@broadacres.org.uku0022u003einfo@broadacres.org.uku003c/au003e
Winter can bring extra challenges, so we’ve put together some simple tips to help you keep your home warm, safe and comfortable over the colder months. From heating checks and reducing heat loss to spotting damp and mould early, our team is here to support you. If you need advice about heating, repairs, money matters or general wellbeing, please get in touch.
A £450 Broadacres Community Development Fund grant is helping Bainbridge Christmas Lights make their annual display more sustainable. The funding will allow volunteers to connect their decorations to the village power grid, saving around £400 a year and supporting the much-loved community switch-on on 7 December. The Fund supports local groups in areas where Broadacres has homes, with all grants approved by our customers.