Essential advice from Hextra’s electrical and fire protection experts, serving the Snowy Mountains, South Coast, and Monaro regions.
Contents
- Why Christmas is a High-Risk Period for Fires
- Electrical Safety Tips for the Festive Season
- Fire Protection Best Practices for Homes & Businesses
- How Hextra Can Help: Local Fire & Electrical Services
- What to Do in an Emergency
Why Christmas is a High-Risk Period for Fires
The Christmas and New Year period brings joy, gatherings, and celebrations—but it also comes with increased fire risks. From overloaded power boards, extra lighting, and kitchen activity to candles and barbecues, December and January see a spike in electrical and accidental house fires across NSW.
Common festive fire hazards:
- Christmas lights and decorations
- Overloaded power points and extension cords
- Cooking incidents during gatherings
- Candles and open flames
- Barbecues and outdoor heaters
Electrical Safety Tips for the Festive Season
- Check your Christmas lights: Only use lights that meet Australian standards and inspect for damaged cords or loose bulbs before hanging.
- Don’t overload power boards: Plugging too many decorations or appliances into a single outlet can cause overheating and fires.
- Switch off when not in use: Turn off lights and electrical decorations before bed or when leaving home.
- Use outdoor-rated equipment: Only use extension leads and lights designed for outdoor use in gardens or on the house.
- Keep cords tidy: Avoid running cables under carpets or rugs, which can cause them to overheat unnoticed.
Fire Protection Best Practices for Homes & Businesses
- Test your smoke alarms: Make sure alarms are working and batteries are fresh before Christmas.
- Keep exits clear: Don’t block escape routes with gifts, decorations, or furniture.
- Have a fire extinguisher handy: Know where yours is and how to use it—especially in kitchens and BBQ areas.
- Supervise candles and BBQs: Never leave open flames unattended, and keep flammable items well away.
- Plan your emergency exit: Make sure everyone in the home or workplace knows what to do if a fire starts.
How Hextra Can Help: Local Fire & Electrical Services
Hextra offers:
- Electrical safety inspections: We check for overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, and other hazards.
- Smoke alarm installation & testing: For homes, rentals, and commercial properties.
- Fire extinguisher supply & servicing: We ensure your equipment is up to code and ready to use.
- Emergency call-outs: 24/7 support for electrical faults or urgent fire protection needs.
Our team is based locally and understands the unique risks of the Snowy Mountains and coastal regions—especially during the busy summer holiday season.
What to Do in an Emergency
- Stay calm and evacuate immediately if you see smoke or fire.
- Call Triple Zero (000) for fire or electrical emergencies.
- Don’t try to fight large fires yourself.
- If safe, switch off power at the main switch.
Conclusion
Christmas should be a time of celebration, not stress. By following these simple electrical and fire safety tips, you can keep your family, guests, and property safe this festive season. If you need a safety check, smoke alarm installation, or emergency support, Hextra’s local experts are just a call away 24/7 across the Snowy Mountains, South Coast, and Monaro.
Call us on (02) 6420 0201 or submit a quote request and we’ll give you a call.
Stay safe and have a wonderful Christmas from the Hextra team!
