Stay Safe This Christmas: Key Property Checks Everyone Should Make
James Murphy posted on 2nd December 2025
The festive season is a time for warmth, celebration and togetherness – but it’s also one of the busiest periods for accidents, electrical faults and fire-related incidents in UK homes. With decorations, extra cooking, colder temperatures and increased energy use, December naturally brings more risks.
A few quick checks now can protect your family, your home and your belongings throughout the holiday season. Here’s what everyone should keep in mind this Christmas.
1. Electrical Safety: Decorations, Lights & Extra Appliances
Christmas often means additional lighting, extension leads and decorative gadgets – but overloaded sockets are a major cause of winter fires.
Key checks:
Inspect Christmas lights for frayed wires, cracked bulbs or overheating plugs.
Use extension leads sparingly and never “daisy chain” multiple adaptors.
Turn off decorative lights when going to bed or leaving the house.
Only use outdoor-rated lights outside.
Tip: LED lights use far less energy, run cooler and significantly reduce fire risk.
2. Heating & Boiler Safety
With temperatures dropping, boilers, radiators and electric heaters work harder than at any other time of year.
Key checks:
Ensure your boiler has been serviced within the last 12 months.
Bleed radiators to improve efficiency and prevent cold spots.
Keep portable heaters clear of furniture, curtains and Christmas trees.
Never dry clothes directly on heaters.
Tip: If you notice unusual noises or inconsistent heat, book an engineer before the Christmas rush.
3. Fire Safety: Cooking, Candles & Decorations
Christmas Day is one of the busiest days of the year for kitchen fires. Add candles, real trees and flammable decorations into the mix, and extra caution becomes essential.
Key checks:
Never leave cooking unattended – especially when entertaining.
Keep tea lights and candles away from anything that could burn.
Test smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed.
For real Christmas trees, keep them well-watered to reduce flammability.
Tip: A small fire extinguisher or fire blanket in the kitchen is an inexpensive lifesaver.
4. Outdoor & Weather-Related Risks
Cold weather brings its own hazards – from icy paths to frozen pipes.
Key checks:
Insulate exposed pipes and outdoor taps to prevent freezing and bursts.
Clear gutters of leaves to avoid blockages during heavy rain.
Keep pathways and steps free from ice using salt or grit.
Check outdoor lighting to ensure safe entry after dark.
Tip: Leave heating on low when away for several days to prevent frozen pipes.
5. Security & Holiday Travel Precautions
Homes are often targeted during the festive period as gift-giving naturally means more valuables indoors – and many families spend time away visiting others.
Key checks:
Double-lock all doors and ensure windows close properly.
Use timers for lights to make the property look occupied.
Avoid posting travel plans on social media.
Keep packaging for expensive gifts out of sight and out of bins until collection day.
Tip: A simple video doorbell or camera can offer real peace of mind.
6. For Landlords & Tenants: Extra Seasonal Responsibilities
Whether renting or letting, Christmas is the perfect time to ensure responsibilities are clear.
Landlords should:
Confirm smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning.
Make sure tenants know how to report repairs over the holiday period.
Remind tenants about safe heater use and avoiding overloaded sockets.
Tenants should:
Report maintenance issues early to avoid emergencies.
Keep vents and airways clear, especially when using dryers.
Notify landlords if they will be away for extended periods.
A Safe Home Means a Happy Christmas
By taking a little time now to check your property is safe, you can relax fully and enjoy the celebrations without unnecessary worry.
If you’re a Martin & Co managed landlord, our team is on hand to support you with winter maintenance, compliance requirements and seasonal safety checks. For homeowners, tenants and un-managed landlords, we’re always happy to offer guidance and advice to help you keep your property safe over the festive period.
Wishing you a warm, safe and happy Christmas.
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James has lived in the Poole & Bournemouth area for over 25 years and has an extensive knowledge of the conurbation. He started his career in the property industry in 2015 following his graduation from the University of Kent, Canterbury and has worked in a variety of different roles in this time. Formerly a Sales Manager, he brings an in-depth understanding of the industry to his current role as Marketing Manager at Martin & Co.
