At Christmas more injuries than ever are caused by fire in the home. As your decorations go up, so do the risks of fire in your home. Here are some tips to keep safe:

1. Check your Christmas tree lights are up to the British Standard. On outdoor electrical equipment, always use an RCD (residual-current device), a safety device that instantly switches off the power if there is an issue.
2. Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings. Don't leave them burning unattended.
3. Make sure your family and visitors staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency. Practice a fire escape plan.
4. Decorations can burn easily - Don't attach them to lights or heaters.
5. Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas - make sure they are fire safe.
6. Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.
7. Never leave cooking unattended - most fires start in the kitchen.
8. Keep fireworks in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.
9. Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.
10. Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.
11. Keep candles, lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
12. Switch off electrical appliances when not in use and always switch off and unplug Christmas lights before you go to bed.