Fire safety is important all year round and at Christmas there are extra hazards as tenants are likely to have more guests visiting during this time of celebration but it should not end in tragedy. Below is some advice that landlords can share with tenants to ensure they celebrate safely.

Smoke alarms
Test the batteries before the festivities begin. NEVER remove the batteries or disconnect the alarm.

FACT: You are more than twice as likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a smoke alarm that’s working

Christmas Lights

• If you are replacing your Christmas lights this year, make sure you look for safety marks, for example the BS kitemark and buy them from a reputable shop

• Make sure the fuses are the correct type – the box will tell you the maximum size that should be used.

• If bulbs blow, replace them but switch them off first

• Switch the lights off when you go out or when you go to sleep.

• Keep the bulbs away from anything that can burn easily, like paper.

• Don’t overload sockets.

Decorations

• Decorations made of light tissue paper or cardboard burn easily.

• Keep all decorations away from lights and heaters.

• Don’t put them immediately above or around the fireplace.

• Keep candles away from decorations.

Christmas Trees

Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house.

FACT: a burning Christmas tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.

Watch the video on the Fire Service website to see just how quickly a tree can burn:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&hl=uk&v=o2dNN2waoSw

When you go to choose your tree, be very careful. 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.

When you get your tree home, keep it away from a heat source, including a fireplace, radiator or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks.  Don’t put your tree up too early, or leave it up for longer than two weeks – keep the tree stand filled with water at all times

When you take down your tree, the best way to dispose of it is by taking it to a recycling centre or you can contact your local council to see if there are any collections. Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.

Enjoy your Christmas safely!

Link to Christmas Tree fire video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&hl=uk&v=o2dNN2waoSw

First published: December 2012

No Comments