• 03/11/2025

Christmas and festive season safety tips

Fairy lights with purple background

As the festive period approaches, we would like to wish all our residents a safe and happy Christmas. 

This time of the year brings sparkle, warmth and celebrations – but can also bring extra risks around the home. With decorations, festive cooking and colder weather, it’s important to take a few simple precautions to keep your household safe.

Fire and electrical safety

  • Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms – it’s the quickest way to protect yourself and your family.
  • Check Christmas lights for frayed wires or broken blubs and only use those with safety marks.
  • Never overload sockets. Always switch off festive lights before bed or when leaving home.
  • Keep decorations and cards away from fires, radiators and cookers.
  • If you use candles, use holders, keep them away from curtains and never leave them unattended.
  • If you have a real tree,keep it well-watered so it doesn’t dry out and become a fire risk.

Kitchen safety

  • Don’t leave cooking unattended, especially during Christmas dinner prep.
  • Give yourself plenty of time and keep children and pets away from hot surfaces.
  • Clean up spills promptly to avoid slips and falls.

Emergency awareness

  • Know your building’s fire exits and keep them clear.
  • E-scooters and e-bikes pose a serious fire risk. We strongly discourage residents from owning them due to the high number of fires linked to lithium battery failures. If you do have one, never store or charge e-scooters or e-bikes in communal areas, hallways, or near escape routes - these must be kept clear at all times. Only use the manufacturer’s approved charger and never charge batteries overnight or unattended.
  • Keep a torch and emergency numbers handy in case of power cuts.

Building safety

  • Take care on icy paths – report unsafe areas to the housing team.
  • Check in on neighbours who may be alone and be mindful of noise in shared spaces.
  • Keep your home warm and ventilated to help preventdamp and mould.

As we celebrate this special time of the year, let’s all do our part to keep our homes and communities safe. A little extra care goes a long way in protecting ourselves, our families and our neighbours. 

From everyone at Hightown, we wish you a safe and happy festive season.

There are a variety of ways Hightown residents can get involved with building safety – if you’d like to learn more, please reach out using the contacts below and our team will be happy to explain further: