The festive season brings warmth, cheer, and a touch of magic to our homes. But with candles glowing, fairy lights twinkling, and kitchens working overtime, it’s also a time when fire risks quietly increase.
The 12 days of Christmas should be filled with joy, not emergencies, so taking a few simple precautions now can make all the difference.
One of the most effective (and completely free) ways to safeguard your home is to arrange a Home Fire Safety Visit from your local fire and rescue service. These visits offer tailored advice, hands-on checks, and in many cases free smoke alarms for households that need them.
Here’s why it’s well worth booking yours this season.
Why the 12 Days of Christmas Need Extra Care
Festive celebrations introduce more potential hazards than many of us realise:
Decorations and fairy lights can overheat or become damaged after years in storage.
Candles are used far more frequently at this time of year and can be knocked over easily.
Cooking fires increase as many of us try to juggle big meals, family visitors, and distractions.
Portable heaters come out when cold snaps hit.
Alcohol consumption can lower awareness and make accidents more likely.
With all this going on, even a well-prepared household can overlook something important. That’s where your local fire service can step in.
What Happens During a Free Home Fire Safety Visit?
A trained fire officer will visit your home at a pre-arranged time to give you personalised guidance—and it’s far more helpful than a quick tick-box check.
They will:
Inspect smoke alarms and other fire protection devices.
Help you identify potential hazards, such as overloaded plugs, obstructed exit points, or risky candle placement.
Discuss safe cooking practices, especially useful for Christmas Day when the kitchen becomes mission control.
Talk through your escape routes to ensure the whole household knows what to do if a fire breaks out.
Provide tailored tips for older adults, people with disabilities, or families with young children.
Best of all, this service is completely free and designed to be friendly, reassuring, and supportive—not judgemental.
Free Smoke Detection Devices: Who Qualifies?
Many UK fire services offer free smoke alarms or specialist detection devices for households considered at higher risk. Eligibility varies slightly by region, but usually includes:
Older adults
People living with mobility or sensory impairments
Those with limited financial means
Families with very young children
Individuals who smoke
Residents in properties with no working alarms
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, don’t hesitate to ask. Fire crews genuinely want to help, and keeping your home safe helps them keep your community safe too.
How to Book Your Free Visit
It’s simple:
Visit your local fire service’s website (for example, West Midlands, Merseyside, London Fire Brigade, Scottish Fire and Rescue, etc.).
Search for “Home Fire Safety Visit” or “Safe and Well Check”.
Fill in the short request form or call the listed telephone number.
Choose a date and time that suits you.
Many services also provide guidance over the phone if an in-person visit isn’t possible.
Quick Fire Safety Tips for a Safer Christmas
While you wait for your visit, here are a few practical steps you can take today:
Test your smoke alarms—you should hear a loud beep.
Turn off fairy lights when you leave the room or go to bed.
Keep candles well away from anything that could catch fire, including decorations.
Never leave cooking unattended, especially when frying.
Keep escape routes clear of boxes, gifts, or festive clutter.
Make sure everyone in the household knows where the keys are for quick exits.
These small actions can dramatically lower your risk.
The Greatest Gift This Christmas? Peace of Mind
Inviting a fire officer into your home may feel like a small step, but it’s one that could truly save a life—yours or someone you love. With expert advice, free protective equipment where needed, and practical support, you can enjoy the 12 days of Christmas with confidence.
Take a moment today to book your Home Fire Safety Visit. It costs nothing, takes very little time, and ensures your festive celebrations stay merry and bright—for all the right reasons.
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