Tips for a safe, fire-free Christmas!

The festive season is in full swing with Christmas trees and fairy lights, friends and family, and a whole lot of cooking! With this, of course, comes the potential for many different mishaps, from flames in the kitchen to candle-lit curtains. Luckily, we’ve got some great advice from the team at Pacific Prime. From following fire-safe practices to securing home insurance and fire insurance for your condo in Singapore, here’s what you can do to ensure that you and your family stay safe while celebrating this holiday season.

#1 Set up decorations safely and strategically

Fairy lights and candles help make the season magical. But, they can also pose a serious threat if left unattended or not properly placed. And, if you’ve got an artificial tree, do check that it’s fire-retardant!

Candle caution and string light suggestions

Rather than using real wax candles, it may be worth considering battery-operated, flameless candles instead. You’ll create the same look and feel, minus the fire danger! If you insist on traditional wax candles, be sure to keep them at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. And, never leave real wax candles unattended while they’re lit!

When hanging lights, it’s a good idea to:

• make sure any electrical cords are not frayed or tangled;
• double-check that the lights are for indoor use if you’re hanging them in your home; and
• avoid putting too many plugs in one electrical outlet.

Other smart decisions when decking the halls

Be careful when using a ladder to hang ornaments or other decor. Make sure you’re on a stable surface and wearing shoes that allow for traction.

You can keep the breakable ornaments out of reach from little hands by hanging them higher up on the tree.

And, don’t forget to keep poisonous plants like poinsettias and holly out of any little one’s reach!

#2 Practice proper Christmas tree care

While live Christmas trees create a festive atmosphere, they can be major fire hazards if not properly placed or maintained. All it takes is a matter of seconds for a dry tree to catch fire. Therefore, it’s wise to ensure that you buy a fresh tree that’s not overly dry. When choosing the tree, bend some of its needles to ensure that they are flexible rather than brittle.

Once you’ve got your Christmas tree, it’s important to:

• water the tree daily so that it doesn’t get too dry;
• place the tree far enough from heat sources such as candles, fireplaces or floor heaters;
• never leave a lit tree unattended; turn off any string lights when leaving the room or going to bed.

#3 Avoid kitchen distractions

Part of the fun is being around family and friends during the holidays. But, if you’re too focused on the conversation to concentrate on what’s happening in the kitchen, you’ll need to put someone else on Christmas cooking duty.

All too often, fires start from unattended stoves. It’s vital that you don’t leave a kitchen flame unattended. But, if your cookware does catch on fire, The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) recommends:

• Turning off the gas immediately;
• covering the cookware with a wet cloth rather than pouring water on it; and
• calling 995

The SCDF also recommends making sure that your oven and other kitchen appliances have been cleaned prior to Christmas cooking. Any extra grease can catch on fire.

It’s also crucial to keep cooking areas clear of decorations and other items that could catch on fire. You may even want to have a fire extinguisher readily available.

#4 Ensure that you’ve got fire insurance and other coverage

Should your home become ablaze, you can rest easy knowing you’re covered with fire insurance in Singapore. A fire insurance policy protects the physical structure of your residential house or condo from fire, as well as flood and explosion. A fire insurance policy can provide you with an indemnity in the event of a loss.

Why do you need fire insurance and home insurance?

While fire insurance in Singapore is designed to protect the physical structure of your home, home insurance is designed to protect all of the valuable belongings within it. This includes any furniture or valuables destroyed in a house fire. Therefore, you’ll want both fire insurance for your condo, as well as home insurance, to ensure full coverage.

Personal accident insurance

Another type of insurance to consider is personal accident insurance, which will cover you for any unforeseen accidents, food poisoning and more. This type of insurance can be secured on top of your health insurance plan to ease the financial burden should accidents happen. So, if you cut your hand while preparing Christmas dinner, you can rest easy knowing that you won’t have to pay a hefty A&E bill. Or, if you get a bad stomach from that restaurant on New Year’s Eve, or stumble down the stairs and need stitches after that Boxing Day bash…

Find out more about home and fire insurance in Singapore

With over 20 years of experience and a global team of experts, Pacific Prime can help you find a suitable insurance plan just in time for the holidays. And, with many insurers increasing their rates on 1 January 2023, you’ll want to start the new plan before January to get the best deal. You can contact the insurance specialists at Pacific Prime for advice, a comparison of plans and more.

Pacific Prime Singapore
18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #14-05
6346 3781 | pacificprime.sg

Read on for more about insurance and other health and fitness topics in Singapore.