The festive season is about to hit peak celebration! Here's our top tips on keeping everything safe and running smoothly this Christmas.
As we all start getting cosier during the festive period, things can also get busier. It's easy to forget the little things we can do to stay safe. Candles, decorations, and cooking all provide higher fire risks during this season.
Safe cooking
Keep metal out of the microwave, and follow heating instructions carefully. Many house fires start with heating high-fat foods in the microwave, like Christmas puddings.
When things get hectic, remember to keep an eye on tea towels. They often find themselves flung across kitchen work tops, so make sure they're well away from the hob!
Whoever pulls the short straw for cleaning duties this year, remember to give your oven and hob a thorough scrub. Build-ups of fat and grease can be fuel for a fire, or start one.
Other safety tips and advice on safe cooking this Christmas is on the South Wales Fire and Rescue website.
Electrics and decorations
Our Christmas decorations spend a lot of time in storage. Take time to double check they’re not frayed or damaged. Always switch off fairy lights and unplug them when you're not at home, or before bed.
With lots of new toys and electric gadgets to test on Christmas Day, avoid overloading extension cables. Always check your electric Christmas presents, making sure chargers and electrical connections meet UK safety standards.
If you’re using a portable heater to stay cosy this Christmas, or you know a member of your family might be, make sure everyone is staying safe. Keep it away from soft furnishings and clothing. If it starts to smell strange, or you think it might be damaged, don’t use it! If in doubt, chuck it out. Electrical Safety First offers great advice on using portable heaters safely.
Fire safety in your home
If you live in a block of flats, please take a look at the fire safety procedures for where you live. Remember - if in doubt, get out, and call 999 immediately.
If you're a person who has low vision or a vision impairment, Deaf or hard of hearing, have limited mobility, or you use oxygen, register with your local fire and rescue service. The fire crew will be aware of your circumstances in the event of an emergency and give you the support you need.
If you're not able to use a phone to make calls, you can text any emergency service for free. Pre-register to use the service by visiting the Emergency SMS website.
Repairs and maintenance
We've recently published repair and maintenance video tutorials. These small tasks will keep your home in good working order. From bleeding radiators, to adjusting your boiler pressure, our video guides are here to make the little tasks a little easier.
If you need to report a repair during the Christmas break, please check out our repairs guide. This lets you know what you're able to repair in your home, and what we are responsible for.
You can also report a repair through your NCH App, available for download today.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us. In an emergency, always contact the appropriate services for help.