Christmas decorations: Advice from the Fire Department
Christmas
01 Dec 2020
/ 15:04
CORFU. Advice from the Fire Department with precautions to help us enjoy the Christmas atmosphere without endangering anyone.
Christmas Lights
Always use lights and decorations that have an EU Certificate.
Inspect the lights at least once a year for leaks, cuts or burnt-out bulbs and make sure the plug is properly inserted in the socket to avoid any sparks.
Follow the manufacturers' instructions as some lights are made for indoor use and some for outdoor use - but not both.
If you want to decorate outdoor areas with lights always do it during the day so that you can spot any damage to the wires or dampness that may touch points of contact. If they are in contact with metal objects, don't light them until you are sure there is no danger and that they work properly.
Check that the voltage of the lights is compatible with the plug and the ELOT (National Standardisation Body) stamp to certify it has been inspected.
Do not allow the lights to come into contact with flammable material such as paper, cloth etc.
Christmas tree
The Christmas tree should be placed where you want but it must be at least 1 metre from the fireplace or other fire sources and should stand securely and not be in contact with other objects or block doorways.
If you have a natural tree, make sure it hasn't dried up and water it if necessary.
If you have an artificial tree, make sure it has been certified and is made from flammable material.
Children love Christmas trees but you mustn't allow them to play there without someone else present. They mustn't have access to lighters, matches, wires, plugs and lights. In order to avoid any accidents or injuries you can cut the lower branches or secure the tree to the ceiling with a hook.
Always disconnect the tree lights before you go out or go to bed.
Candles
If you light candles, always make sure they are on stable bases (not plastic or other flammable material), far away from curtains and never leave them lit when you leave. Keep them away from draughts.
Do not place them under shelves and always leave a distance of at least 10cm between candles.
Never use lit candles to decorate Christmas trees and make sure all lit candles are far away from the branches of the tree.
Always use lights and decorations that have an EU Certificate.
Inspect the lights at least once a year for leaks, cuts or burnt-out bulbs and make sure the plug is properly inserted in the socket to avoid any sparks.
Follow the manufacturers' instructions as some lights are made for indoor use and some for outdoor use - but not both.
If you want to decorate outdoor areas with lights always do it during the day so that you can spot any damage to the wires or dampness that may touch points of contact. If they are in contact with metal objects, don't light them until you are sure there is no danger and that they work properly.
Check that the voltage of the lights is compatible with the plug and the ELOT (National Standardisation Body) stamp to certify it has been inspected.
Do not allow the lights to come into contact with flammable material such as paper, cloth etc.
Christmas tree
The Christmas tree should be placed where you want but it must be at least 1 metre from the fireplace or other fire sources and should stand securely and not be in contact with other objects or block doorways.
If you have a natural tree, make sure it hasn't dried up and water it if necessary.
If you have an artificial tree, make sure it has been certified and is made from flammable material.
Children love Christmas trees but you mustn't allow them to play there without someone else present. They mustn't have access to lighters, matches, wires, plugs and lights. In order to avoid any accidents or injuries you can cut the lower branches or secure the tree to the ceiling with a hook.
Always disconnect the tree lights before you go out or go to bed.
Candles
If you light candles, always make sure they are on stable bases (not plastic or other flammable material), far away from curtains and never leave them lit when you leave. Keep them away from draughts.
Do not place them under shelves and always leave a distance of at least 10cm between candles.
Never use lit candles to decorate Christmas trees and make sure all lit candles are far away from the branches of the tree.
