The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is a time for joy, family reunions, gifts and feast. However, it also comes with a unique fire risk with Christmas trees and lights, cooking equipment and candles all potential hazards around the home.
In fact, 40% of housefires are caused by electrical appliances and electrical faults. With decorative lights placed around the house and new devices or gadgets being charged at Christmas, it’s even more important for families to be on the lookout for potential hazards.
Fire safety experts warn aussies to be vigilant this festive season, issuing a timely reminder to check if your Christmas decorations are fire safe. Fairy lights are a common decoration used around the home and on Christmas trees but are often a culprit behind house fires in December. So it’s vital to;
• Check the lights comply to the Australian Standard
• Check that the lights aren’t fraying or the plug is worn
• Keep them away from flammable material
• Turn lights off before going to sleep or if not at home
Fires aren’t the only thing to be aware of this festive season with barbeques often going hand in hand with gatherings, but there can be risks involved.
So, before you unleash your inner MasterChef, ensure your barbeque is on a level base in a ventilated area sheltered from the wind. Keep matches and children well away, and have a water source, or even better, a fire extinguisher close by. Also before you light up, give the BBQ a clean, taking care to remove excess fat that could cause flare-ups. When you finish cooking, turn off the gas firmly.