The Dangers Christmas Tree Fires and How to Avoid One

It’s easy to forget how much a Christmas tree can dry out indoors. One day it’s green and fresh, and the next it feels brittle, dropping needles everywhere. Add warm lights, dry air, and the occasional candle nearby, and suddenly you’ve got a serious fire risk sitting in the corner of your living room.

It may sound dramatic, but Christmas tree fires do occur, and quickly.

Radiant heat from a fire can ignite nearby objects alarmingly quickly. With a dry Christmas tree, flames can spread across the room in less than a minute. Even without direct contact, the intense heat from open flames or a fireplace can cause the needles to dry, smoke, and ignite.

Once the tree catches fire, it burns with extreme speed and temperature, dispersing flames, smoke, and toxic gases throughout the space almost instantly. Keeping your tree well away from open fires, candles, or stoves is one of the simplest and most effective Christmas tree fire safety measures you can take.

Here’s how to keep your home safe while still enjoying all the sparkle of the season.

1. Keep your tree watered

If you’ve got a real tree, treat it like a houseplant that drinks a lot more than you’d expect. A dry tree is like tinder. Make sure the stand always has water, and top it up daily. Once the base dries out, the trunk seals, and it stops absorbing moisture altogether.

2. Check your fairy lights

Old or damaged lights are one of the biggest culprits in Christmas tree fires. Before you plug them in, inspect for frayed wires, cracked bulbs, or loose connections. Use LED lights where possible — they stay cooler and use less electricity.

3. Don’t overload plug sockets

With lights, decorations, and maybe a few extra gadgets around, it’s tempting to use extension leads everywhere. Try not to. Too many plugs in one socket can overheat and start a fire.

4. Keep the tree away from heat sources

Avoid placing it near radiators, fireplaces, or candles. Even a few feet can make a difference. If you light candles nearby, never leave them unattended — it’s an easy mistake that causes hundreds of fires every year.

5. Switch off at night

It’s simple but often forgotten. Always turn off Christmas lights before bed or when you leave the house. You’ll save energy too, which is a bonus.

6. Know when it’s time to say goodbye

Once Christmas is over, don’t leave your tree sitting there until February. As it dries, the fire risk only increases. Dispose of it through local recycling schemes or garden waste collections.

Even with all the right precautions, accidents can still happen. If fire or smoke ever damages your home,  is here 24/7 to help. Our technicians can clean, repair, and restore your property quickly and safely, so you can focus on getting life back to normal.

For urgent help or advice, call 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business.

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Signs of water damage

If you are looking to buy or rent a property, it’s wise to watch for signs of water damage. Signing a contract is straightforward, but exiting it can be difficult if you discover water damage after you’ve signed.

Here are some signs of water damage to watch out for.

Outside of the property

  • Look around the exterior window and door frames; is there any separation? A separation often indicates the potential for leaks or moisture entering the property.
  • Check for missing or cracked roof tiles. This can show if water might enter through the roof.
  • Ensure guttering is intact so that water can flow away from the property freely.

Inside the property 

  • Look for water rings on the ceiling or walls, as these indicate leaks from pipework.
  • Check for any signs of a leak; even small watermarks tell a story.
  • Look for soft or sagging areas in the flooring, especially near water appliances like sinks, baths, dishwashers, and washing machines. While this might simply be faulty appliances, it’s worth investigating.
  • Inspect for cracked and warped flooring, which can reveal previous water damage that caused further problems.
  • Notice any recent repairs to ceilings, walls, and floors, as this may indicate past water damage has been repaired.
  • Remember to check the loft, basement, and garage—all can provide important clues about water damage.

Need professional water damage restoration?

If you are unfortunate enough to be faced with a property with water damage, we can help!

Visit our water damage page, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business or contact us on 0845 762 6828

How to Prepare Your Commercial Property for a Flood

From damaged stock to operational downtime, the impact of a flood can be costly and long-lasting. Whether your premises are located on a high street, in a business park, or in a rural area, it’s essential to prepare in advance. Here’s how to prepare your commercial property for a flood.

1. Check if You’re at Risk

Check if your area is at risk of flooding using the government’s flood risk checker. Sign up for free flood alerts via the gov.uk to receive early warnings through text, phone, or email.

2. Carry Out a Flood Assessment

A flood risk assessment helps you understand how water may enter your premises and which areas or equipment are most vulnerable. Use this information to plan protective measures and prioritise critical systems.

3. Safeguard Key Equipment and Stock

Where possible:

  • Keep important stock, documents, or servers elevated above ground level.
  • During high-risk periods, move portable items to higher shelves or upper floors.
  • Ensure that computers and sensitive equipment are kept off the floor and backed up regularly.
  • Install waterproof storage to protect essential records.

4. Create a Flood Response Plan

Make sure your staff know what to do in the event of a flood. Your plan should include:

  • Roles and responsibilities for key staff
  • A list of emergency contacts
  • Instructions for shutting down power safely
  • How to secure stock or equipment quickly
  • Clear evacuation routes and access to emergency kits

Conduct regular training sessions or practice drills, especially if your business operates in a high-risk environment.

5. Install Physical Protections

Invest in flood defence products where possible:

  • Flood boards or barriers for doors and windows
  • Airbrick covers
  • Non-return valves on drainage and pipes
  • Sealant for walls and floor gaps

6. Check Insurance Cover

Ensure your policy includes cover for flood damage, business interruption, and contents. Keep copies of your policy, photos of equipment, and asset records in a safe and accessible location.

Need flood recovery support?

We’re ready 24/7 to help businesses across the UK recover quickly and safely.

Contact us today at 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to learn how we can assist you.

How To Prepare Your Home for a Flood

Flooding is an increasing risk throughout the UK. Homes are becoming more vulnerable to surface water during heavy rainfall and rising river levels, especially in the autumn and winter months. If you reside in or near a flood-prone area, it is essential to prepare. Here are the steps on how to prepare your home for a flood.

1. Check if You’re at Risk

Check if your area is at risk of flooding using the government’s flood risk checker. Sign up for free flood alerts via the gov.uk to receive early warnings through text, phone, or email.

2. Make a Flood Plan

Create a simple plan covering:

  • Choose a safe place to go if you need to leave your home
  • Keep a list of emergency contacts somewhere easy to find
  • Know where your important documents and valuables are stored
  • Talk through what to do with children, pets, or anyone who may need extra help

Ensure that every member of the household is aware of the plan.

3. Move Valuables and Essentials

When a flood is likely:

  • Move furniture and valuable items to an upper level or elevate them off the ground.
  • Keep passports, insurance documents, and cash in waterproof containers to ensure they stay safe and dry.
  • Disconnect electronics and move them to higher ground.

4. Protect Entry Points

Invest in flood defence products where possible:

  • Flood boards or barriers for doors and windows
  • Airbrick covers
  • Non-return valves on drainage and pipes
  • Sealant for walls and floor gaps

While these measures won’t make your home floodproof, they can provide valuable time and help reduce damage.

5. Prepare an Emergency Kit

Keep a waterproof bag stocked with:

  • Torch and batteries
  • First aid kit and medicines
  • Bottled water and long-life snacks
  • Warm clothes and blankets
  • Power bank or mobile charger

6. Turn Off Utilities if Needed

If water is entering your home, it is crucial to act quickly and safely. First, turn off the gas supply, electricity, and water at the main valves.

Ensure you do this only if it is safe to do so and you can access these controls without putting yourself at risk. This action will help prevent further damage and reduce the risk of electrical hazards.

If possible, move to higher ground and call for assistance if needed. If it is safe to do so, turn off the water at the mains.

Need help recovering from flood damage?

We’re ready 24/7 to help homes across the UK recover quickly and safely.

Contact us today at 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to learn how we can assist you.

Five Checks to Do Before the First Frost

The first frost always seems to catch you off guard. One week it’s autumn leaves, and the next your car windscreen is frozen solid, with the house feeling colder than ever.

Before winter properly arrives, take a few minutes for some simple winter home maintenance. These five quick checks can help prevent leaks, dampness, and heating issues when the cold hits.

1. Clear out the gutters
Leaves, twigs, and soggy debris build up fast in autumn. Once temperatures drop, that mess freezes, blocking water flow. The result? Leaks, damp patches, and sometimes even cracked guttering. A quick clean now saves a lot of frustration in January.

2. Inspect the roof
You don’t need to climb up there. Just step back and look for missing tiles, sagging areas, or anything that seems out of place. After heavy rain or wind, even a small gap can let water in. If something seems off, get it checked before the frost makes repairs trickier.

3. Test your boiler
Everyone forgets this one until it’s too late. Run the heating for a short while, even if it still feels mild outside. Listen for strange noises and check the radiators’ heat evenly. If anything feels sluggish, book a service before engineers get fully booked.

4. Check garden drainage
Water that can’t drain properly can freeze and expand, damaging patios, paths, and even pipes near the surface. Ensure drains and grates are clear of leaves and that rainwater flows away from the house.

5. Seal up draughty windows
Cold air sneaks in through tiny gaps you barely notice in summer. Run your hand around window frames to feel for cold spots or movement. A bit of sealant or new weatherstripping can make a big difference when the temperature drops.

A little effort now can save a lot of hassle later. Frozen pipes, leaks, and dampness are far easier to prevent than repair.
If you do spot damage or water getting in, don’t ignore it. ServiceMaster Restore can help fix the problem before winter makes it worse.

Why choose ServiceMaster Restore?

If you need a restoration specialist who can respond quickly and decisively in emergencies, and collaborate seamlessly with other service providers to deliver a safe, efficient, and comprehensive solution, contact ServiceMaster Restore on 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.

Bonfire Night safety tips

How to have a safe bonfire night.

It’s vital to know Bonfire Night safety tips before enjoying the celebrations.

Read on for some helpful Bonfire Night safety tips to keep you, your family and friends safe this Bonfire Night.

Did you know that the Fire Brigade attends thousands of out-of-control bonfires each year?

Help to keep the Fire Brigade accessible for fires that can’t be prevented by following these simple Bonfire Night safety tips:

Bonfire Safety Tips

  • Check there is no wildlife or pets where you build your bonfire
  • Build your bonfire clear away from buildings, sheds, fences and hedges
  • Don’t light your bonfire with flammable liquids
  • Don’t burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, batteries or foam-filled furniture
  • Always have clear access to plenty of water in case you need to use it (buckets/hose pipe)
  • Never leave a bonfire unattended, and ensure it is damped out when finished

To prevent smoke from entering your home, ensure that windows are closed and doors are shut.

Any clothing worn for the bonfire should ideally be washed quickly to avoid the smell entering your home.

Need smoke or fire and smoke restoration?

Call emergency services immediately if you are unfortunate enough to be impacted by a spreading bonfire.

Our fire and smoke damage restoration experts at ServiceMaster Restore can help with the aftermath and restoration.

For 24/7 professional fire and smoke restoration services, call 0845 762 6828