As we get into the festive spirit, it’s important to keep safety in mind when decorating your home. Many decorations are highly flammable, so please take care to keep them away from fire hazards such as candles, heaters, and lights.
Candles are a popular way to add warmth and festive charm during the Christmas season, but they must be used with care to avoid serious fire hazards.

Here are some essential safety tips:

• Never leave candles unattended, especially if you’re leaving the room or going to sleep. Don’t place next to a TV or use tea lights next to a bath. Always place on a heat proof surface.
• Avoid placing candles near flammable items, such as curtains, bedding, or decorations.
• Avoid overloading plug sockets – never plug multiple extension leads into each other.
• Be cautious with Christmas trees – real trees can dry out quickly and become highly flammable. If you’re using a real tree, water it daily and keep it away from heat sources. If you’re using an artificial tree, check that it’s fire retardant.

For a safer alternative, use flameless or electric candles. These can be left on for longer periods, used outdoors, and are safe if knocked over.

See the below photo of a candle placed next to a bed that was accidentally knocked over resulting in the mattress catching fire. A reminder of how quickly things can go wrong.