This is the time of year when we light cosy fires, candles, put lights on trees, and create the warmth and light that most of us associate with Christmas.

But did you know that the month in which there is most likely to be a fire in a domestic home is December? Follow these safety tips to help prevent your festivities being cut short by a visit by the Fire Department or a trip to the Emergency Department:

• Remember to buy batteries for toys that need them — that way you won’t be tempted to remove batteries from smoke alarms (please don’t).

• Replace batteries in smoke alarms, install a fire extinguisher or, if you already have one, make sure the pressure gauge is on green, and if it is a powder extinguisher, shake it several times until you can feel the powder moving about inside it. Make sure everyone knows where the fire extinguisher is and knows how to use it.

• Fires around Christmas start mostly in kitchens (cooking) and through faulty wiring or overloading wiring (particularly if it is old).

• Practice your escape plan with the family and have a plan for pets. Discuss two different ways to leave each room. Tell children to stay low as smoke rises, and not to open a door if it is hot. There is a good chance a strong fire will be the other side.

• Tell children to get out and stay out. Do not hide and do not go back in to get a special toy or pet. Have a place outside the home where everyone will meet.

• Be sure all family members know how to dial 911 on a cell phone. Enter it in everyone’s phone under “fire” or something easy to remember.

• Keep decorations and cards away from fires and other heat sources such as light fittings. Don’t leave burning candles unattended (consider buying the battery-operated ones). Make sure you put them out before going to bed and do not put candles on Christmas trees.

• If you have old Christmas lights, seriously consider buying new ones, which will meet much higher safety standards. Keep the lights switched off until the Christmas tree is decorated, don’t let children play with lights (some have swallowed the bulbs), and remember to switch off the lights when going out of the house or going to bed.

• Give yourself enough time to prepare and cook Christmas dinner to avoid hot fat, boiling water and sharp knife accidents that come from rushing, and keep anyone not helping with dinner out of the kitchen.

• Beware of trailing cables and wires in the rush to connect new gadgets and appliances, and always read instructions.

• Do not remove fireplace embers or ash, or if you do, place them in a metal container with a lid and cover them with water. Do not place them in a plastic or paper bag or other container that is not fire-resistant. Do not dispose of them indoors or close to your home.

• Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

• Keep trees watered to avoid them drying out. If the needles on your tree are going brown, it is a fire hazard. Do not leave lights on all night or when you are out.

Christmas is also a time when your home is likely to be full of people, and it is in the excitement of the season that accidents can easily happen.

Keep an eye on small children as in a large group everyone tends to think someone else has an eye on them, when in fact they are just as caught up in the “party” as you are. With care and forward planning, most accidents could be avoided. Have a safe and Happy Christmas, and I will be back in the New Year with more articles about your home.

Heather Chilvers is among Coldwell banker Bermuda Realty’s leading sales representatives. She has been working in real estate for 25 years. If you have a question for Heather, please contact her at hchilvers@brcl.bm or 332-1793. All questions will be treated in confidence.