Unwrapping Safety: Your Guide to a Secure Christmas!

As winter sets in and the days get shorter and colder, there's a bigger chance of house fires.

People light candles, use stoves, and make fires to keep warm.

Indeed, last year from October to January, around 9,371 fires happened each month in the UK.

November had 11,744 fires alone!

So, here are ten important tips for a safe Christmas for you, your family and neighbours:

1. Check your fire alarm and its battery regularly to be sure it's working.
2. Look at your fairy lights before using them. If they're damaged, don't leave them on when you're away for a while.
3. Blow out all candles before going to bed or leaving home.
4. Make sure fires are completely out before sleeping to avoid chimney fires at night.
5. Plan an escape route for everyone in case of a fire.
6. Don't smoke in bed and dispose of cigarettes and ash safely. Smoking caused 8% of house fires last year.
7. Use fireproof safes for important stuff like papers and money during a fire.
8. After cooking during busy times like Christmas, check ovens and stoves are turned off. Cooking caused 42% of house fires.
9. Be extra careful if you've had alcohol. Check appliances and fires before sleeping.
10. Keep an eye on flames and don't leave them alone for too long.

In winter, the risk of house fires goes up because we use more heat.

Stay safe by being careful with fire!