The service offers the following tips to stay fire safe at home this Christmas:

• Test your smoke alarm every week – and buy sufficient batteries for those new Christmas toys so you don’t consider removing the ones from your smoke alarm to power them up
• Check that all Christmas lights conform to British Standards and always use a residual current device which can safely cut off power. Switch lights off before going to bed or leaving the property
• Extinguish cigarettes properly in an ashtray – and don’t smoke in bed
• Make sure any guests know how to leave the house in the event of an emergency – do they know where door/window keys are kept, and have you shown them the escape route?
• If you have an open fire or woodburner, ensure your chimney is swept regularly
• Don’t overload electrical sockets – be especially careful with Christmas lights
• Candles should be used in an appropriate holder away from your Christmas tree, decorations or furnishings. Never leave a burning candle unattended and keep matches, lighters and candles out of the reach of children
• Decorations can burn easily so move them away from sources of heat, such as lights or radiators
• Check on neighbours and elderly relatives this Christmas, to make sure they are fire safe too – remember to socially distance from others not in your household or bubble
• If you’re planning on celebrating with fireworks, store them safely, follow instructions and keep a bucket of water nearby
• Have a bedtime routine – close all doors, and make sure you switch off electrical appliances except the fridge/freezer
• Never leave cooking unattended, remember metallic items can’t go in the microwave and keep tea towels away from the hob

For more information on staying fire safe in your home, please visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safety