12 Days of Christmas

We are urging people to stay safe and protect their homes from fire by following twelve tips for festive fire safety:

1. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment (safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power).
2. Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings. Don't leave them burning unattended.
3. Make sure your family and visitors staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency. Practice a fire escape plan.
4. Decorations can burn easily - Don't attach them to lights or heaters.
5. Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, unless they're designed to stay on. Take special care with Christmas lights. Always switch off and unplug Christmas lights before you go to bed.
6. Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.
7. Most fires start in the kitchen - never leave cooking unattended.
8. If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.
9. Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished
10. Check the battery in your smoke alarm every day and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust
11. Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of children
12. Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas - make sure they are fire safe 

Christmas and New Year celebrations are times to have fun with family and friends, so follow our simple fire safety tips to keep everyone safe to enjoy the festivities.

For a free home safety check call our 24 hour hotline free on 0800 169 1234 or e-mail cfs@nwales-fireservice.org.uk