Christmas Safety

The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind people to take extra care during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Many of the things we enjoy during this festive period, such as the fairy lights, candles, paper hats and decorations, can all be fire hazards when proper care is not taken.

National statistics show that you are 50% more likely to die in an accidental house fire during the Christmas period than at any other time of the year.

Safety Tips

We are urging people to stay safe and protect their homes from fire by following twelve tips for festive fire safety:

1.  Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment (safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power).
 

2.  Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings. Don't leave them burning unattended.
 

3.  Make sure your family and visitors staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency. Practice a fire escape plan.
 

4.  Decorations can burn easily - Don't attach them to lights or heaters.
 

5.  Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, unless they're designed to stay on. Take special care with Christmas lights. Always switch off and unplug Christmas lights before you go to bed.
 

 

6.  Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.
 

7.  Most fires start in the kitchen - never leave cooking unattended.
 

8.  If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.
 

9.  Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.
 

10.  Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.
 

11.  Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of children.
 

12.  Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas - make sure they are fire safe.

Christmas and New Year celebrations are times to have fun with family and friends, so follow our simple fire safety tips to keep everyone safe to enjoy the festivities.

Finally, as in every season, have working and tested smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them once a week and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help.  And remember to practice your home escape plan.

Please have a safe Fire free Christmas and a prosperous New year...

Download the 12 days of Christmas PDF 175kb

Download Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service Christmas Poster 4.41mb