11 February 2026
From Valentine’s Day and Lunar New Year to Shrove Tuesday and Ramadan, celebrations often involve cooking, candles and decorations. These simple steps help keep your home safe while you make memories.
We love seeing families and communities come together. A few quick safety habits make celebrations safer at home.
Lifesaving habits for every celebration
- Test your smoke alarms regularly to make sure they beep and alert you in the event of a fire.
- Plan and practice your fire escape route, make sure visitors know what to do.
- Keep hallways and doors clear for a quick exit.
- Make sure everyone in your home knows where door keys are kept.
Cooking safety
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking – never leave pans unattended. If you need to leave the room, switch off the heat.
- Keep the hob clear – move tea towels, packaging and decorations well away from the heat.
- If oil catches fire:
- Turn off the heat if safe to do so.
- Cover the pan with a lid if safe to do so.
- Never use water.
- Turn pan handles inward and use the back rings where possible to avoid knocks.
- Never leave children unattended while cooking.
- When finished, switch off the oven, hob and any other cooking appliances.
- Clean regularly – a build-up of fat or grease can easily ignite.
Candle and decorative lighting safety
- Use battery-operated candles where you can.
- Place real candles on heat-resistant surfaces, away from curtains,decorations and soft furnishings.
- Never leave candles unattended and keep away from children and pets.
- For string lights don’t overload sockets and always switch off before bed.