During the next few days, the air will be filled with festive cheer as people get ready to celebrate Christmas and the beginning of a New Year. Many of us will be welcoming or visiting family and friends or popping out down to our local bars and restaurants.

However, as we’re out celebrating there may be a danger lurking in our homes, it’s not a criminal it’s our Christmas decorations. Although Christmas indoor decorations look great, they are a potential fire hazard. There’s the lights on the tree, the fibre optic Santa, lights that go onto the window and the incoming wiring from decorations brightly buzzing away outdoors. All these festive appliances require electricity and our 4 plug socket extensions can overheat and catch fire.

Another big problem is the festive drinks with family and friends, as people arrive home from their parties they might try some midnight cooking – never a good idea.

According to fire service, house fires increase by 50% during the festive period.

Help keep your family and yourself safe this Christmas by fitting a proper smoke alarm which will not only alert you should there be a fire but will also save your life. If you have to drink and cook (which I must repeat is NEVER a good idea) then a good quality fire blanket should be placed in every kitchen along with a good fire extinguisher that can be used on electrical fires.

Have a safe Christmas!