Have your attic checked to see that pipes are properly insulated and locate the mains stopcock in your house; this is the water valve that controls the 'mains' water into you home. It often resembles a red wheel or tap and is often located under the kitchen sink.

Keep gutters, drains and gratings free of leaves and other debris and check for and replace loose roof tiles before they cause damage or injure someone

If you are going away set your heating system to come on for intervals during the day and night and open your attic hatch/door as this will allow warm air to circulate into your attic space and reduce the chance of the pipes and tanks in your attic from freezing. You can also leave a high wattage bulb lit in your attic in a secure and safe place as this will also help to maintain a warmer temperature

Leave a key to your home with a family friend or trusted neighbour so that they check your home whilst you are away.

Christmas is a time when people take more car journeys than at other times of the year. Before setting out on any journey give your car a Christmas check up. Check tyres for wear and tear and air pressure, check your oil and water levels and that the battery is fully charged and leads clean, also check that your windscreen wipers are not worn and the handbrake and brakes are operating properly. The last thing you want to be is stranded over the Christmas period.

Try and plan ahead to allow plenty of time to get in and out of major towns and cities. Listen to the traffic reports on the radio for your local area. Leave as early as you can in the morning, it’s always best to try to beat the crowds.

Try and park your car in a secure car park or in an area that is well lit up and your car is locked.

Never leave Christmas purchases visible in the car and do not cover them with a blanket or coat. If you have to leave anything in your car use the boot and if your car is fitted with an alarm make sure it is switched on when you park and leave your car.

Do not leave your car keys lying around, on the table or in your jacket or coat if you hang it up.

Remember it is the law that all passengers are wearing their seat belts including any passengers in the rear seat.

Never leave your engine running or keys in the ignition when your car is unattended even if you expect to be only a few seconds.

A real tree adds to the spirit of Christmas in your home, however it is also a potential fire hazard. Try to select a fresh tree which does not lose needles when you tap it on the ground and make sure the tree is well secured to keep it from tipping.

Place the tree away from heat sources and of course, from sparks and open flames. Make sure if you have an artificial tree that it is flame retardant, (if not and it catches fire poisonous fumes are given off ) also try to use non-combustible decorations.

Fairy lights are as much part of Christmas as Santa, again it is important to ensure they don’t pose a threat to your family’s safety. Check and replace any worn or damaged light sets and it is a good practice to replace any set that is more than four or five years old.

Unplug the light string before replacing a bulb and disconnect the lights at bedtime or when unattended and use only outdoor lights outside your home and never use indoor extension cords outside.

If you have an open fire, check if your chimney needs sweeping.

Why not buy somebody a smoke alarm as a gift this Christmas, you could end up saving their life.

Install a smoke alarm and if you have one check it to make sure it is working and replace the batteries if necessary.

When using candles place them in sturdy containers out of the reach of children and away from combustibles such as cards, decorations or paper ornaments and always ensure candles are out before going to bed.

Before you go to bed and especially after parties, check around and under sofa and chair cushions for smouldering cigarette ends.