Our top 12 Christmas fire safety tips

1. Test your smoke alarms at least monthly and only remove batteries when you are replacing them straight away

2. Make sure your festive lights carry the British Safety Standard sign

3. Never overload electrical sockets or attach extension leads to each other. Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed

4. Take care around open fireplaces as clothes may catch fire. Always use a fire guard

5. Take time to check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas as they are at greater risk from fire

6. Make sure your family and visitors know how to escape in an emergency

7. Make sure cigarettes are put out properly every time. Empty ashtrays regularly and safely

8. Never place candles near your Christmas tree or materials that can catch light easily like curtains. Consider using LED candles instead

9. Most fires start in the kitchen. Avoid leaving a cooker unattended and never cook if you feel drowsy or under the influence of alcohol or drugs

10. Decorations can burn easily so don’t attach them to lights, heaters, or anything else that can get hot and ignite them

11. Store fireworks safely and securely. Never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby

12. Keep candles, lighters and matches out of children’s reach. Never leave burning candles unattended

You can also access this information as an infographic (PDF).