James Brack

Enjoy the coming festive season - Safe in the knowledge you have minimized any fire risks

As you settle down to your Christmas dinner this year spare a thought for the safety of yourself and others at this special time and consider fire safety during the festive period. Christmas is a time to be enjoyed by all the family but we should still be on our guard when it comes to potential fire hazards in the home.

Many fires at this time of year are caused by fresh Christmas trees that adorn our living rooms, along with many other festive decorations. Below are some useful pieces of advice on how to minimize the fire risks presented by a ‘real’ tree in your home this Christmas:

1. Select a healthy and freshly cut tree. The needles should be green and should not fall off the tree when it is shaken slightly. If the needles do fall off, pick another healthier looking tree. The drier the tree is, the easier it could potentially burn.
   
2. Position your tree sensibly. Do not put it by a heat source such as a fire or radiator. Heat will only serve to dry the tree out and increase any potential fire risk.
   
3. Water the tree frequently so that it doesn’t dry out. There is a saying that goes ‘a wet tree is a safe tree’!
   
4. As soon as the tree is looking past its best dispose of it. Never put the branches or pine needles in an open fire or stove.

The tree is not the only thing that should be considered when approaching fire safety this Christmas. Other decorative items can also increase the risk of a fire within the home. Always thoroughly inspect decorative lighting each year before it is used. You should look out for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, cracked sockets and any other signs of wear and tear. It is important that you never overload any one socket and if the wires of any of the equipment get too hot to touch, then remove the feature immediately.

All decorations that are put up in the home should be non-flammable and positioned so as not to be near a heat source. Never dispose of used or unwanted wrapping paper in an open fireplace within the home. This can cause a buildup of chemicals that can lead to a nasty explosion.

Candles are often used more frequently during the festive season and great care should also be taken with these. Never leave a candle burning unattended or in a place where it can be easily knocked over. Finally, never go over to a Christmas tree with a naked flame of any kind such as a match or cigarette lighter.

The very best way to remain safe this Christmas is to ensure that you remember to give your smoke alarm its weekly check.

for all your fire safety needs why not visit http://www.fireangel.co.uk/ where you will find the UKs leading range of smoke alarms, including ionisation smoke alarms, optical smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

Article Tags: Festive Season, Fire Risks

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