Christmas Safety at Home

Christmas 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.

Looking Out For Each Other at Christmas

Check in on older neighbours or anyone who may be spending Christmas alone. If you’re away for the holidays, let a trusted neighbour know.

Christmas Trees and Decorations

Real trees

Water your tree daily. Dry trees can catch fire very quickly and always keep it away from fireplaces, heaters and open flames.

Artificial trees

Choose a fire-retardant model where possible and make sure it isn’t blocking a hallway, doorway or escape route.

Decorations

Keep decorations well away from cookers, heaters and candles and avoid hanging anything that could fall onto a heat source.

Christmas Lights and Electrics

Before you put lights up

Check for frayed wires, cracked bulbs or loose connections. Only use lights marked with CE or BS standards and indoor lights should only be used indoors; outdoor lights outdoors.

Using plugs and extension leads safely

• Inspect leads for damaged wires or melted plastic.
• Avoid daisy chaining (plugging one extension into another).
• Use one extension lead per socket.
• Stop using any lead that feels hot, sparks or shows scorch marks.

Power ratings

Check that the combined wattage of your lights does not exceed your extension lead’s rating (usually 13 amps / 3000 watts).

Turn lights off at night

Switch off and unplug lights and decorations before going to bed or leaving the house.

Candles and Open Flames

• Always use proper holders on a stable surface.
• Keep candles away from tinsel, Christmas cards and wrapping paper.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Make sure all candles are out before you go to bed.
• Consider LED candles for a safer alternative.

Alcohol and fire risks

If you’ve been drinking, please avoid cooking, smoking or using candles. Alcohol slows reaction times, and many fires start when someone becomes distracted.

Kitchen Safety

Christmas 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.

Evening safety routine

A 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.

Escape routes

• Keep hallways and exits clear of gifts, wrapping and decorations.
• Make sure everyone in the home knows how to get out safely.
• Make sure keys are easy to reach.
• Practice your escape plan with children if you can.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Test alarms once a month 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.

If you are ever unsure about something in your home, please get in touch with us.

• 📞01609 767900
  📧 [email protected]
  🌐 broadacres.org.uk