Make your home sparkle this Christmas, without the fire sparks

In homes across the UK fairy lights are twinkling and gifts are being wrapped, however millions of us will be taking dangerous chances with our safety this festive season, according to research from Electrical Safety First. To ensure that these risks are reduced, the Charity is highlighting common activities that we may not know are putting our households in danger.

Research recently undertaken by Electrical Safety First, revealed that one in 12 peoplei (8%) confess to leaving their Christmas lights on overnight. Unwittingly, people could be endangering their households as Christmas lights can overheat and create a fire hazard. While many of us will be skyping family abroad and charging new toys and mobile devices, it’s important to remember that overcharging can cause some adaptors to become a fire risk. Despite the risk, over half (56%)ii of Brits admit to leaving their phone charger plugged in overnight. One in four (25%)iii are guilty of overloading sockets, using extension leads and adaptors, which can also cause overheating and fire. Electrical Safety First is asking people not to take these chances with potential dangers around the home.

The gift at the top of many wish lists is also a potential threat lurking under many Christmas trees this year. Electrical Safety First’s research reveals that an estimated 1.5 million peopleiv in the UK have bought, or are considering buying, a hoverboard (otherwise known as a Swegway) as a gift this Christmas. 

Steve Curtler, Product Safety Manager at Electrical Safety First commented:

“At the risk of sounding like the Christmas Grinch, we’d like people to be aware of the potential dangers when purchasing a hoverboard as a gift. Some of the chargers that are sold with hoverboards have no fuse and no protection, and the batteries are also dangerous, resulting in a real risk of fire. There are many versions that do not appear to indicate any age restrictions on their use, so parents may be unaware that they’re unsuitable for use by young children.

“If you are certain that you are buying a hoverboard, we would recommend that people shop only with reputable retailers you know and trust, either on the high street or online and look for branded versions that show the manufacturers name, not from unknown sellers using  online marketplaces. That way if something goes wrong you can contact the retailer or the manufacturer to deal with any problems.”

Looking more closely at Christmas trends across Great Britain, one in fivev (21%) households reported that they will be displaying outdoor Christmas lights this year. Homes and gardens in the East Midlands will shine the brightest this year with over a quarter of householdsvi (27%) revealing that they’re displaying outdoor lights, while only 15%vii of Scots plan on lighting up their homes and gardens. The advice from Electrical Safety First is to display outdoor lights safely, whether it’s a sprinkling of lights around the door or a fully lit up Santa’s Grotto in your garden.

Finally, what causes the most grief for Brits on Christmas Day? Almost one in four(24%)viii of us admit that our relatives or in-laws irritate us the most. Perhaps it’s unsurprising then that the nation’s most popular afternoon activity is watching TV, with 43%ix of us revealing that we spend Christmas day on the sofa.

Phil Buckle, Director General of Electrical Safety First added:

“While our research shows that having relatives and in-laws over are the most annoying part of the festive season for many people, we also know that keeping the family safe takes priority. 

“Our research shows that people are not necessarily taking the precautions that they should to make sure their homes are safe. The advice we’re issuing is to use electricity wisely – check your Christmas lights are safe, replace the bulbs or the set if there is any damage and be alert to potential electrical dangers around the home. And, make sure you switch your lights off and unplug them before you go out or go to bed – even Christmas lights need a break.”

For more tips visit electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/Christmas