27/11/2020
We want to make sure you celebrate the festive period safely. So we’ve pulled together some top tips on a fire safe Christmas:
- Don’t leave cooking unattended.
- Don’t cook if you’ve been drinking alcohol – a takeaway or food delivery is much safer.
- Keep decorations away from lights or heaters – they can overheat and catch fire.
- Check Christmas lights meet safety standards – they should have a CE marking or be kitemarked.
- Switch off Christmas lights at night and when you go out.
- Consider using LED battery tea lights instead of candles.
- If you do use candles, keep them away from decorations, curtains or anything else that could catch fire and never leave them burning unattended.
- Take extra care when smoking if you’ve been drinking alcohol – make sure cigarette butts have been extinguished. Check out London Fire Brigade’s safety tips.
- Make sure you know your fire escape plan and share this with everyone in your household and any guests staying over Christmas.
- Fit smoke alarms in your home and test them weekly. Do not remove the batteries other than to replace them. If you have a hardwired alarm that isn’t working, get in touch with us immediately on 0800 035 1991 or via email. You can request a home fire safety check from the London Fire Brigade free of charge here.