Have you started decorating for Christmas?
Follow these guidelines to help you decorate your fireplace safely this Christmas
With the Christmas countdown on, many of us are beginning to get ready for the festive season, which is why it's important to follow guidance on how to decorate your fireplace safely.
A cosy fireplace easily becomes the centrepiece of any room, but it can be surprisingly difficult to create a safe yet beautiful decorative display on your mantel and hearth. Experts recommend keeping any combustible materials, including pillows, blankets, and seasonal decorations, at least three feet away from the opening of the fireplace. This includes any decorations you might hang from your mantel, such as stockings or garlands.
Candles are another classic mantel decoration that require extreme caution. Many mantels are made of wood or other inflammable materials, so your candles need to have appropriate containers or a safe drip tray. LED candles can be a better choice if you want a warm glow without the risk of fire.
The manufacturer's instructions for your appliance will have specific guidance on safe distances to combustible materials, which includes Christmas decorations. Remember to always follow this advice. Your stove or fireplace generates a lot of heat and you want to avoid creating a fire hazard.
Please also remember when decorating not to obstruct, move or remove your Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm. CO alarms must be in a permanent, fixed position and located in the same room as your appliance. Carbon Monoxide is an extremely poisonous gas which cannot be seen, smelled or tasted making it extremely difficult to detect.
