Many of the things we enjoy over the Christmas period such as fairy lights, candles, paper hats and decorations can all be fire hazards when proper care is not taken.
Essential tips include:
- Extinguish candles before going to bed and never leave them burning unattended or on/near a Christmas tree, curtains or soft furnishings
- Buy enough batteries to fit in new toys and other Christmas gifts to avoid the temptation of removing batteries from a smoke alarm
- Keep decorations and cards away from fires and heat sources, such as light fittings
- Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard and don’t overload electric sockets
- Most fires start in the kitchen, so don’t leave cooking unattended and keep the cooker clear of items, including tea towels
- Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove
- Check on elderly relatives and neighbours
Also, it's always important to remember the risks of buying fake goods since many of them don’t meet safety standards. If something seems too much of a bargain, it’s probably poor quality, fake or doesn’t exist. If you’re buying tickets, always buy from official sources and never pay by direct transfer.
Image: Councillor Sheila Bailey, Stockport Council
Councillor Sheila Bailey, Stockport Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We want to make sure residents are safe during the holidays, so I’d urge our local communities to follow these simple tips to avoid fire accidents or becoming a victim of a scam. Let’s also look out for each other, especially older relatives and neighbours who might need a hand as the weather gets colder.”