The risk of fire can increase during major religious festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha because of:

• fasting during daylight hours causing tiredness
• spending more time at the mosque
• cooking while entertaining

Stay alert while cooking and make sure scarves and sleeves from hijaabs, shalwar kameez and saris are out of the way. They can easily catch fire.

Practice testing your smoke alarms weekly during Ramadan by testing it before going to prayers.

Halloween costumes can be very flammable. Keep them away from open flames and use battery powered lights inside pumpkins instead of candles.

Don’t forget about kitchen safety when cooking to celebrate Diwali, particularly when using hot oil.

The Diva is an important part of Diwali celebrations, but oil lamps and candles can be very dangerous. Read our advice for using candles, matches and lighters safely.

• Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard – look for the kite mark.
• Never place candles near a Christmas tree or furnishings and don’t leave them burning unattended.
• If you have guests staying, make sure they know your escape plan and what to do in an emergency.
• Never attach decorations to lights or heaters.
• Be careful not to overload electrical sockets – especially with Christmas lights.
• Don’t get too festive! The risks of fire and accidents in the kitchen greatly increase when drinking alcohol.
• Spread season’s greetings by checking on your elderly relatives and neighbours.
• If you have a real tree, water it regularly so it doesn’t dry out.