Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) are calling for local people to use their free tool to get fire safety advice tailored to their home this festive season.

As Christmas Day approaches, many people have already started decorating, shopping and wrapping ahead of the main event. Whatever your plans are for the Christmas period, AF&RS are encouraging you to use their free tool to prepare your home ahead of the festivities.

Nikki Rice, Prevention Manager at AF&RS said: “This festive season, we want to make sure that local people have a safe and enjoyable time. With many people spending lots of time at home, or at the homes of others, we’re pleased to provide a free home fire safety check tool that you can use to access personalised advice for your home.

The tool, which AF&RS launched earlier this year, takes just five minutes to complete and provides you with recommendations for a safer home and lifestyle. If your loved one doesn’t have access to a computer, you can also complete the check tool on their behalf. You can complete the tool here.

Nikki added: “We’re also providing some important safety tips that you can follow to reduce your risks this Christmas. Remember, in an emergency, call us on 999, no matter what day of the year it is.”

Follow AF&RS key festive fire safety tips:

Candles

If you’re using candles, keep them well clear of any Christmas decorations as well as curtains, blinds and especially Christmas trees. These materials can catch alight easily.

Keep candles, lighters and matches out of children’s reach.

Never leave candles unattended.

Lights

Check that your lights are in good condition before use and look out for loose connections and broken lamps.

Never overload electrical sockets.

Always switch lights off and unplug them before going to bed or going out.

Christmas Trees

Position trees well clear of fireplaces and heaters. Live trees are highly flammable due to their needles and sap.

Keep real trees hydrated by checking water levels every other day. A dry, dead tree is a far greater fire risk than a hydrated, living tree.

Make sure Christmas trees are secured in a sturdy base, pot or held in a stand. This will reduce the likelihood of the tree tipping over.

Decorating

Get help from a family or friends when using ladders to put up decorations. Ensure that someone is securing the base of the ladder, and that your ladder is fit for purpose (make sure your ladder is tall enough).

When hanging Christmas lights, if unsure, ask for help. Don’t underestimate the difficulty of working at height.