How would you cope if you had a fire at your home this Christmas?
There are some simple things you can do to ensure you minimise the risk, and keep your holidays happy.
1. Test or replace your old tree lights.
You should get your tree lights tested to ensure they are safe – especially if they are old.
You’ll need qualified electricians who offer PAT testing.
It may be cheaper to replace them with new, low energy LED lights which use far less power and give off far less heat – reducing the risk of a fire on your Christmas tree.
Real trees can also be very dry, which can increase the risk of a fire. So, buy a tree base which allows you to water it every day. It will also help to stop the pine needles dropping.
2. Don’t overload your sockets.
There are so many demands on your electricity supply at Christmas – lights for the tree, TVs, laptops, tablets, phones, gaming consoles, and toys which need to be charged.
It would be easy to overload sockets and cause a danger. Ensure your sockets aren’t overloaded – unplug unused items and don’t leave laptops or phones to charge overnight. There have been safety concerns raised after fires involving batteries from phones and laptops which have been left on charge at night.
3. Buy electrical presents from reputable outlets.
Always buy electrical items from reputable outlets who allow returns. It’s also important to test them as soon as you can to ensure they are functioning properly.
4. Make sure hair straighteners and irons are unplugged.
If you’re getting ready for the Christmas party, make sure any hair straighteners or irons are unplugged before you leave for your festive fun.
5. Don’t cook after drinking!
It’s too easy to leave food on the stove or in the oven and fall asleep. Electric ovens are very safe, but fire could spread if food is left to burn inside them. Stick to cold food – or a take-away.
6. Ensure your smoke or fire alarms are working properly.
Test your smoke or fire alarms to ensure they’re working and that you can rely on them.
If your alarms contain batteries, they will need to be replaced sporadically, so you should test them every month.
Here’s wishing you a safe and merry Christmas!
Need help with electrical testing or fire alarms? Check out our services here: http://www.sonikelectrical.co.uk/fire-safety/