Festive Fire Safety for Your Home: How to Deck the Halls (and Avoid Fire Hazards!) with Fireco’s Expertise
Decorating the house, hosting family, and soaking up summer – it’s all part of the Kiwi Christmas. But between fairy lights, long lunches, and extra electrical gadgets, the holiday season can also be a time when fire risks sneak in.
To help keep your celebrations merry and safe, here are Fireco’s Twelve Tips of Christmas Fire Safety for a hazard-free festive season.
1. Check Your Christmas Lights Before Use
Those trusty old lights you’ve had for years might look fine, but wear and tear can turn them into a fire hazard. Before hanging them up, inspect the cords, plugs, and bulbs for damage or fraying. If anything looks dodgy – replace it. Faulty lights are one of the most common causes of holiday fires.
2. Upgrade to LED Lights
If you’re still using the old incandescent lights from 20 years ago, you’re well overdue for an upgrade. LED lights stay cooler, use less power, and last longer – all while reducing the risk of overheating. A simple switch that’s good for your safety and your power bill!
3. Turn Off Lights When You’re Out or Asleep
It’s easy to forget, but leaving your Christmas lights on overnight or while you’re away is a fire waiting to happen. Switch them off before bed or use timers and smart plugs to do it for you automatically.
4. Don’t Overload Power Outlets
Too many plugs in one socket = too much heat. Spread out your decorations across different outlets, use surge protectors, and avoid running extension cords under carpets or rugs – they can trap heat and cause fires.
5. Be Smart with Outdoor Decorations
Outdoor lights and decorations need to be weather-rated for outdoor use. Make sure cords are tucked away and secured so wind or rain can’t cause damage. And double-check you’re using proper outdoor power connections, not just a random indoor extension cord.
6. Keep Your Christmas Tree Away from Heat
If you’ve gone for a real tree, keep it watered – those dry needles are like kindling! Whether real or artificial, make sure your tree isn’t too close to heaters, fireplaces or candles, and isn’t blocking exits.
7. Be Careful with Candles
Candles make everything feel festive, but they’re also one of the top fire hazards. Always place them on stable, non-flammable surfaces and away from decorations. Or play it safe and swap them for flameless LED candles – they look great and won’t set anything alight.
8. Use Power Boards Properly
Stick to one plug per socket and don’t daisy-chain power boards. Go for one with a built-in surge protector and if you’re decorating outdoors use extension cords designed for exterior use.
9. Don’t Leave Cooking Unattended
The Christmas feast is often the main event – and one of the biggest sources of house fires. Never leave pots or pans unattended, keep flammable items like tea towels and paper packaging away from the stove, and maybe save the drinks for after the cooking’s done. Same goes for BBQ usage, and remember to never drink and fry!
10. Have a Fire Extinguisher on Hand
Every home should have a working fire extinguisher, ideally in or near the kitchen. Make sure everyone in the house knows where it is and how to use it. A few seconds can make a big difference in an emergency.
11. Test Your Smoke Alarms
Check that your smoke alarms are working and have fresh batteries. If you’ve got guests staying in seldom-used rooms or sleepouts, make sure those spaces are protected too – smoke alarms save lives.
12. Review Your Fire Escape Plan
A few extra decorations or extra people in the house can change how you move around your home. Take a quick moment to remind the family where the exits are and where to meet outside if there’s ever a fire.
Spread Joy, Not Fire Risks
A few simple checks can go a long way toward keeping your Christmas safe and stress-free.
Fireco is here to help you stay fire-smart all year round – whether you need smoke alarms, extinguishers, or advice on commercial fire safety systems.
From our team to yours, have a merry, bright, and fire-safe festive season!
