Home fire safety is important all year round but during the festive season we have partnered with Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service to highlight key home checks with a focus on electrical sockets.
Overloaded electrical sockets and extension leads are a fire hazard so please be mindful of how spaced out your decorations are that require power. Remember – one plug per socket. It is best to only use extension leads with surge protection and never add multiplug adapters to these leads.
Alderman Owen Gawith, Environment and Sustainability Chairman said: “We understand how tempting it is to buy new decorations for your home but we would ask you to consider a few things. Will this replace an existing decoration that is plugged in and if not do I have a suitable outlet to connect it to.
“The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service is the lead authority on fire safety and we work alongside them as part of our Home Safety Check service.
“We would encourage our residents to follow the simple steps below to prevent loss of life or serious injury. Also follow the NIFRS social media channels for important reminders throughout 2026.”
To make you home as safe as possible from fire please:
- Check that smoke alarms are fitted and tested regularly
- Avoid overloading plug sockets and extension leads
- Ensure your real Christmas tree is well hydrated
- Keep candles away from soft furnishings, decorations, Christmas trees and wrapping paper
- Take extra care with cooking and electrical appliances
- Establish a bedtime routine to unplug all electrical items that don’t need to be on overnight
- Have a fire escape plan that everyone in the home is aware of.
NIFRS Group Commander Andy McVeigh said: “We are strongly encouraging the public to prioritise home fire safety this Christmas. With busier households, increased alcohol consumption and heavier use of electrical appliances, the risk of fire is greater. By taking simple steps like testing your smoke alarm, sticking to one plug per socket, taking extra care with cooking, and switching off and unplugging Christmas lights before you go to sleep, you can prevent accidental house fires.”