DEVON and Somerset Fire Service has issued some safety guidance for families in the area this Christmas.

Dry Christmas trees, colourful decorations and wrapped presents are all extra fuel for a potential fire in your home.

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to accidental fires in the home, so take extra care this season to ensure that your families, loved ones and neighbours are all protected from the extra Christmas fire risks.

To ensure a fire safe and joyful Christmas this year, the top tips are:

* Festive decorations made of tissue paper or cardboard burn particularly easily, so keep decorations and greeting cards away from heaters, lights, fireplaces and candles

* Never leave candles unattended. Keep decorations, cards and wrapping paper away from candles, fires, lights and heaters

* Ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed, or leave the house. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598)

* Don’t let the bulbs touch anything that can burn easily, such as paper or fabrics

* Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment (This safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store)

* Don’t overload sockets – ensure only one plug per socket.  Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers

* Make sure cigarettes are extinguished properly and never smoke in bed.

* In the event of fire: get out, stay out and call 999.

Make sure your family and visitors staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency. Make a fire escape plan and check everyone knows it. Get out alive and ensure all your family and guests know where the door and window keys are kept.

Ensure you have a working smoke alarm installed on all levels of your home. Test your smoke alarms on a regular basis and never remove batteries to power presents. This Christmas clean your smoke alarms so all your family and friends are safe.

To request free Home Safety advice call free on: now 0800 05 02 999. For any other fire safety advice, contact the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue helpline on 01392 872288 or visit our website www.dsfire.gov.uk