South Yorkshire Fire And Rescue


Lights, Candles & Decorations
Here are some tips on enjoying lights, candles and decorations safely.

Lights
Fairy lights, Christmas tree lights, multiple sets of lights and other kinds of decorative lights get used less often than your everyday lights, and they need more care.
Check the fuses are the right type (see the box for the maximum size of fuse you should use).
If bulbs blow, replace them.
Don't leave fairy lights on when you go out or when you go to sleep.
Don't let the bulbs touch anything that can burn easily, like paper.
Don't overload sockets.

Candles
Candles are naked flames, and they need to be treated with respect.
Don't leave them burning in a room with no one in it.
Don't put them in or by a Christmas tree, plants, flowers or foliage. Ribbons and other decorations around the candle holder could also catch fire.
Make sure they're in holders that won't fall over.
Put night lights or tea lights on a heat-resistant surface.
Keep them away from curtains and furniture, and not under a surface, like a shelf.
Don't put them where they could be knocked over easily or where people could burn their clothes or hair on them.
Make sure they're completely out - not smouldering.

Decorations
Decorations made of light tissue paper or cardboard burn easily.
Don't attach them to lights or heaters.
Don't put them immediately above or around the fireplace.
Keep them away from candles.

... and Fireworks too
A quick reminder of how to be safe with fireworks.
Keep fireworks in a metal box and take them out one at a time.
Read the instructions by torchlight not by a flame.
Don't go back to a firework once it has been lit.
Keep a bucket of water nearby.

For more information contact the Community Fire Safety Hotline
0114 2532314