Kildare Fire Service issue tips on candle safety in the home this Christmas

By Kim O'Leary

With Christmas just around the corner and as everyone hurries to the shops to pick up their final gifts, Kildare Fire Service is urging people to be mindful of candle safety in the home over the Christmas season.

Taking to social media, Kildare Fire Service warned: "Candles, although pleasant to look at and some that give off nice aromas, present a huge risk to people and items around it. At the end of the day, when you light a candle, you are presenting an open fire to anything that comes near it, it is just a smaller type. So you need to take all precautions when dealing with these open fires."

Their top tips include:

Never leave a candle unattended
Always place candles in a container/ holder suitable that is heat resistant and that will collect excess wax when melted.
Never burn a candle near to items that could catch fire quickly, eg Paper, furniture, curtains etc.
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets
Only light candles in well ventilated rooms.
When lighting many candles, keep at least 3 inches apart
If you encounter a fire, get out, stay out, and get the brigade out. Never return/ enter a burning premises.

Meanwhile, Kildare Fire Service are also urging homeowners not to overload their sockets with Christmas lights and decorations this year.

They said: "We are expecting people to have lots of lights and decorations placed all around their homes. But we ask that you pay attention to electricity and dangers if used incorrectly. Do not overload your sockets. Heat builds through electricity and creates a major fire risk if used wrong. Stay safe this Xmas and be careful when using electricity. Think first, Is it Safe?"

Stay safe this Christmas from all in Kildare Fire Service