WITH fires lit, cooking more common and electricity in greater use due to the likes of lights on trees, Christmas is a time when you need to be most aware of fire risks.
Undoubtedly, Christmas is a time of celebration and joy but some of peoples’ favourite festive traditions such as cooking Christmas dinner, decorating the home and enjoying a drink could have the potential to leave Yuletide celebrations in ruins.
The distractions of a crowded house and celebrations can often result in festive cooking being left unattended. And the added influence of alcohol means that it’s even more important to stay alert while preparing your turkey.
Most house fires in December are caused by cooking appliances and they can spread quicker too due to the manner in which your home is laid out over the festive period.
No Christmas would be complete without a few decorations but the fact that dry Christmas trees, flammable decorations and stray wrapping paper will be in abundance can act as extra fuel for a fire sparked by any number of things including overheated sockets, faulty fairy lights, unattended candles or carelessly discarded cigarettes.
A recent survey showed that a surprising number of people leave their Christmas tree lights plugged in when they’re out of the house and there are several other potential risks, which people almost take for granted at this time of year.
With that in mind here are a few handy tips to ensure your Christmas doesn’t go up in flames:
