Why do you need to think about fire safety when you just want to relax and enjoy yourself? Well, times when people get together and celebrate - at a party or a religious festival - are times when there are more deaths and injuries from fires. You're relaxed or distracted, you're cooking in a rush, there are more people than usual in your home, people may be drinking or smoking. Your home is decorated, you have put up extra lights and candles. All the usual risks get bigger. So you need to be extra careful!

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

• Don't leave them burning in a room with no one in it.
• Don't put them in or next to 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.


REMEMBER TO STAY SAFE WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN!

For more information on celebrating safely click here or call the SYFR Community Fire Safety Hotline 0114 253 2314