CHRISTMAS is a time of festive fayre, families, fun . . . and FIRE.

For national figures show that you are 50 per cent more likely to DIE in an accidental fire at home over Christmas than you are at any other time.

Which is a sobering thought to go with all that booze. So here's my guide to getting through the festivities without becoming another accident statistic.

First of all one of the biggest fire hazards is that pretty Christmas TREE sitting in the corner of your living room.

Did you know real ones are more of a fire risk than the artificial kind? They dry out indoors-making them more flammable.

Inferno

So, make sure that you don't leave fairy lights on overnight, as they can easily overheat and turn your tinder-dry tree into a towering inferno.

Next there's CANDLES. They also look pretty, but putting them on a windowsill next to your curtains isn't the brightest idea.

Or on the mantelpiece next to all your Christmas cards.

Either way, all it takes is a strong draught and you've got a problem. Always put them in a candle or tealight holder, place them on a fire-resistant surface-and make sure they are extinguished before you go out or turn in for the night. If you've got an open fire, you'll know just how lovely it is to do the chestnut roasting thing.

But chuck WRAPPING PAPER on to it and, if the paper drifts up the chimney still alight, you could have a chimney fire.

If, like me, you're not blessed with little ones yet, but have small CHILDREN coming to visit over the holidays, your home may not be that kiddie-proof.

Begin by putting covers over electrical sockets-they only cost a few pence each but they are very effective at preventing little poeple coming into contact with live electricity.

If you're cooking, make sure pan handles are turned in and leads for things like kettles, slow cookers and electric carving knives are all out of reach of small hands.

Also, think about your kitchen cupboards, particularly the one under the sink where you keep all your cleaning products. Either move anything which could be harmful, or tie them very tightly shut for the duration.

ELDERLY relatives also need some care and consideration too. Many are not as steady on their feet as they used to be and, with all the wrapping paper, toys and general debris laying around, it's so easy for them to trip-particularly if they've had a sherry or three.

Hazards

Other hazards are RUGS, power CABLES and slippery FLOORS. Where you can, secure rugs to your floor using grip tape and make sure any cables are out of the way or taped down.

Any spills on hard flooring need wiping up and drying down immediately.

My final tip is about lighting your Christmas PUD. Just pour over the amount of alcohol you need, carry it to the table, THEN light it. Resist the temptation to pour more booze on to create more flames.

And keep a damp tea towel handy to use as makeshift fire blanket in case the worst happens..

So have a merry, but safe Christmas. But, with just a couple of days to go I've got to dash off-there's still presents to buy.

Anyone any good at wrapping?

Your questions answered

Q I HAVE just moved in to a new-build flat, which I bought through a housing association and part own, part rent.

I'm having a nightmare with noise from the flat above, as you can hear every footstep and every time they move the furniture around. I think they must have laid laminate flooring. Is there anything I can do? The noise is making my life unbearable.

DAVID, by email

A I'M assuming your flat is a leasehold property, so read your lease.

You may well find that there is a clause which says that appropriate flooring must be laid -some modern leases go so far as to say no laminate or hard flooring in main living areas.

Also, get in touch with the housing association or whoever you pay your rent to. They will also be able to advise you on complaint procedures and how to handle this.

Q MY wife and I want to sell our house quickly due to our financial situation, and despite having it on the market for a while, no one is interested.

I have seen adverts for companies who purchase your home, then rent it back to you. Is this the quickest and best way for us to go?

STELIO, by email

A YOU need to be very careful about "sale and rent back", which is effectively what you're talking about.

That's because with some of these companies, there is very little protection in place for the tenant, which is what you become when you pay rent.

I've heard horror stories about people selling their home to a company like this to avoid repossession, then ending up being evicted anyway because their new landlord defaults on the mortgage. You have to remember, if whoever buys your home doesn't keep up their payments with the lender, you could end up homeless.

I don't know your situation in depth, but I'd say you've got two options-why don't you put your home up for rent, then you can use the money coming in to pay your mortgage until things are better financially for you, and find somewhere cheaper to live.

Or perhaps speak to your estate agent and reduce the asking price of your property.

Don't forget, everything sells at the right price. If it's on the market for too much, you won't shift it, but if you price it competitively, then you've got a much better chance. Check out www.zoopla.co.uk to get a realistic, up-to-date value on your home.

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