THE TIME is here to put the festive decorations up, get the family together, and enjoy the holiday period.

But while it’s meant to be the most wonderful time of the year, statistics show that over 2.4 million accidents happen each year relating to spending Christmas in your home.

One in 40 people has suffered an electrical shock due to faulty wiring from Christmas lights, there is a huge rise in house fires over Xmas, there are more falls on slippery paths and steps, and many other hazards to avoid.

MyBuilder.com has put together its top tips for staying safe in your home this Christmas. 

Andy Simms, an expert from MyBuilder.com, said that preparation is key to keeping your family and any potential guests safe. “As with anything around the home, it’s always imperative to maintain your safety equipment such as smoke detectors, and ensure regular checks take place.

“Now is a great time to have a quick walk round check of your home to see if anything needs fixing before guests arrive. Whether it be a leaky tap, a broken step, or a dodgy toilet seat - it’s best to get your home as safe as possible before the holidays.”