Fire Safety Tips for the Christmas Season

The movies may make Christmas all about winter and snow, but we Down Under know the real magic of Christmas comes from long summer nights. BBQs and beaches, campervans and camping, we Kiwis know how to make the most of the festive season.

But it’s also the season when fire safety is most important. The Christmas and summer period can present a real fire risk, whether from a power board overloaded with Christmas lights, or a BBQ or camp fire.

So to help you prevent an unwanted blaze, Canstar runs through some advice from the Insurance Council of New Zealand, to keep you, your family and your New Zealand Christmas safe this summer.

Fire safety and your Christmas decorations

Lights, lights, more lights and even more lights. We love it when our Christmas trees and homes are covered in colourful dancing lights. But all that power can pose a risk. Keep in mind the following steps to ensure your Christmas decorations aren’t a fire hazard:

• Check your lights are still okay – if you’re using old lights, check for any damage, such as split and cracked wiring, bent plug prongs or broken bulbs. Don’t use them if they’re not in good shape
• Don’t overload power boards – wall sockets, power boards, extension leads, it’s easy to overload them with the added lights. This can cause overheating and fires
• Use the right lights – outdoor lights should be used outdoors and indoor lights should be used indoors
• For outdoor decorations – clear away any debris before hanging, and be sure to use a RCD circuit breaker to prevent shocks
• Consider a flame-resistant, artificial tree – or if you have a real tree, water it regularly to prevent it drying out. Place it away from extension cords, exits, and flammable objects

Fire safety for those heading away

While most of us won’t be crossing any oceans (but perhaps a Strait), plenty of Kiwis will still be leaving their homes this summer. But fire safety doesn’t stop just because you’re not at home. Some things to consider include:

• Take note of your holiday accommodation – you may know your own home like the back of your hand, but get to know the place you’re staying in. Take note of potential fire hazards, know the exits, and agree on a meeting spot
• Turn off everything – turn off your appliances at the wall before leaving home
• Check your insurance – should the worst happen while you’re away, you’ll want to be covered. Double-check your home and contents insurance is all in order before you go

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If you’re camping and/or tramping

If you’re going away off-grid, there is plenty to consider:

• Check the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website – for fire season conditions and if you need a permit
• If lighting a campfire – first check it’s permitted where you are. Then choose a location away from anything that could catch fire. Think, tents, vehicles, shrubbery and overhanging branches
• Never leave a campfire unattended – fires can change and grow out of control quickly
• Thoroughly put out the fire – use plenty of water and ensure all embers are extinguised

→Related article: Essential Holiday Checklist

BBQ Safety

A BBQ is one of the most essential, and most used appliances over the summer months. But BBQs don’t come without risks. Some fire safety tips to consider are:

• Maintenance – regularly check and maintain fittings and connections. Be sure to clear away any debris and clean away any excess fat after each use
• BBQ responsibly – be mindful of drink grilling, and don’t leave your BBQ unattended
• Never use a BBQ inside
• If using a charcoal/wood BBQ – avoid using it when it’s windy, dispose of ash only once all embers are cold, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Be sure to check if there are any fire bans or restrictions in place

For some general, non-fire BBQ-related tips, click here!

Fire safety and fireworks

Fireworks can pose a serious fire hazard, so it’s important to treat them with caution. Some suggestions to staying safe include:

• Don’t light fireworks if there is a fire ban – or if it is particularly windy or dry
• Always keep water on hand – or a fire extinguisher
• Follow the instructions – only use the fireworks the way they are intended to be used

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About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar Content Producer, Andrew Broadley. Andrew is an experienced writer with a wide range of industry experience. Starting out, he cut his teeth working as a writer for print and online magazines, and he has worked in both journalism and editorial roles. His content has covered lifestyle and culture, marketing and, more recently, finance for Canstar.