Stay safe lighting up your home this Christmas

Following some simple tips and advice can help keep you, your family and your home safe from fire in the festive season.

Faulty wiring – the warning signs

When setting up any Christmas tree lights check them carefully for any signs of faulty wiring. The main things to look for are:

• Plugs and sockets that get hot when in use;
• Fuses that blow for no apparent reason;
• Lights that flicker;
• Brown scorch marks on sockets, plugs and fuse boxes.

You should also check each set of lights that you use for other signs of wear and tear, including frayed or bare wires and loose bulbs or connections.

Tips for using electrical lights safely

• Don’t use too many lights and decorations on your tree;
• Switch lights off at the plug when you are leaving your home or going to bed at night;
• Low-voltage lights with LEDs are safer than filament bulbs, so if you are buying new lights consider investing in these;
• Make sure that plugs have the correct fuse in them. If unsure about this check the manufacturer’s instructions;
• Avoid overloading sockets with multi-way plug adapters;
• Don’t run leads or wires under rugs or carpets, as you won’t be able to see if they become frayed or damaged;
• If hanging lights outdoors, always check that they have been certified as safe for outdoor use.

General fire safety

Though electrical lights are the most obvious cause for concern about fire safety at Christmas, you should also bear in mind general fire safety advice that applies all year round. However, it’s particularly important to remember to:

• Keep trees, especially artificial ones, away from fireplaces, portable heaters and radiators;
• Be careful using candles and don’t place them near to curtains and other objects that could catch fire;
• Make sure that decorations and your tree do not block your exit in the event of a fire.

For more information about fire safety visit the London Fire Brigade website.