Celebrate safely

In London we have a diverse community enjoying a wide range of festivals and celebrations. The possibility of a fire is the last thing on our minds but many events including Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year and Eid ul-Fitr, bring their own specific fire risks.

Safety precautions

• It’s easy to forget safety when you’ve had a few drinks, so if celebrating with alcohol take extra care. Never cook when you have been drinking alcohol. 
• If you are using decorative lights make sure they meet British Standards and are in good working order.
• Make sure decorative lights are turned off at night and when you go out.
• Make sure the plug for the decorative lights has the right size fuse (refer to the manufacturers instructions).
• Candles are often used during celebrations and festivals – never leave them burning unattended or close to curtains or other objects that could catch fire.
• Keep decorations, wrapping paper and greetings cards away from decorative lights, candles, fireplaces and heaters.
• If you are using fireworks, always follow the firework code.
• If you are having a party, or inviting guests to stay, make sure they know how to escape if a fire starts. Tell your guests where you keep door and window keys. If guests are smoking, ensure cigarettes are put out carefully in a proper ash tray.
• Preparing food is a major part of most festivals, but many fires start in the kitchen. Cooking should never be left unattended and extra care should be taken when preparing deep fried food.
• See related links for general advice about protecting your home and fire safety during specific festivals at the Fire Kills website.