Fire Safety Top Tips for Christmas
As Christmas approaches we’re taking a quick look at some top Fire Safety tips to make sure that it is a special time for celebration, and hopefully avoiding some common hazards.
Christmas and Fairy Lights
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Check that the fuses are the right type. The box should be checked for the maximum size of fuse you should use.
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If bulbs blow, replace them.
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Never leave fairy lights on overnight or when you leave the house..
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Never let the bulbs touch or rest on anything that may burn easily, for example paper.
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Never overload sockets. You should never plug and extension plug cable into another.
Decorations
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Be wary of decorations made of light tissue paper or cardboard. They burn easily.
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Don’t attach them to lights or heaters.
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Do not put them above/around fireplaces.
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Keep them away from candles.
Christmas Trees
Fire safety precautions should be take when keeping a tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire, smoke and potentially deadly gases.
Picking the right Christmas Tree
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling centre or having it taken away by a community pickup service.
Everyone at Esky wishes you a happy and safe Christmas!
More information about Fire Safety can be found on our online course.
