The 12 Days of Christmas
Last updated: 22/03/2009
Add to My Bookmarks
On the first day of Christmas...
Test your smoke alarm
Have you checked the batteries in your smoke alarm? Use
Christmas as a reminder to test it. If you haven't got a smoke
alarm, get one fitted. Once Christmas Day arrives, don't be tempted
to remove the batteries to power a Christmas present.
On the second day of
Christmas...
Check your tree lights
Check your Christmas tree lights, make sure the wiring isn't
split and they conform to a British Standard.
In addition check you have the correct fuse.
Always switch them off and unplug them when you go to bed or leave
the house.
On the third day of Christmas...
Decorate wisely
Regardless of whether you opt for red and green or gold and
silver, remember that decorations can burn easily so don't attach
them to lights or heaters.
On the fourth day of Christmas...
Burn candles safely
Never leave candles burning whilst unattended and make sure they
are on a non-flammable base, keep them clear of your Christmas
tree, any decorations and your furnishings. Keep candles, lighters
and matches out of the reach of children.
On the fifth day of Christmas...
Make an escape plan
Make sure your family and visitors staying for the festive
period know what do in the event of a fire. Make a fire escape
plan.
On the sixth day of Christmas...
Never leave cooking unattended
In Christmas 2005, 82 of the 133 accidental fires were caused by
cooking so be safe and never leave a cooker unattended.
On the seventh day of Christmas...
Don't overload electric sockets
If you're using decorative lights outside your house make sure
they conform to the British Standard and fit them with a residual
current device (safety device that can save lives by instantly
switching off the power) on outdoor electrical equipment. For
information on British Standards and residual current devices visit
the HSE website.
On the eighth day of Christmas...
Be accident aware
Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. Never place candles
near your Christmas tree or materials that can light easily.
On the ninth day of Christmas...
Use fireworks carefully
If you're planning to celebrate the new year with fireworks,
store them in a metal box, read the instructions. When setting them
off, remember never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of
water nearby.
On the tenth day of Christmas...
Smoke safely
Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished before going to
bed.
On the eleventh day of Christmas...
Take care around open fires
Make sure that children and decorations are kept a safe distance
away from open fires and use a fire guard. Never hang clothes to
dry on or near the fire.
On the twelve day of Christmas...
Check on others
In the spirit of festive goodwill, take the time to check on
elderly relatives and neighbours, particularly if we are going
through a cold snap. Make sure they are safe from fire and if you
have any concerns about them book a Home Fire Risk Assessment.
Fire Brigade Homepage
Fire Safety section
Public
Safety
Fire Safety at Home