As the Christmas period approaches, the warmth of festive events and services fills the air. However, with the influx of visitors and the addition of decorations in your church, it’s crucial to prioritise safety through thoughtful planning. Our Church Insurance experts have compiled a helpful guide for your use in assessing your church this season.

Decorating Your Church

Christmas Tree

A Christmas tree enhances the atmosphere but requires careful consideration. Placing the tree strategically away from candles is essential to avoid combustion risks. Incorporating tree placement into your fire risk assessment and ensuring secure mounting to prevent tipping over are vital safety measures. It is strongly advised to conduct a thorough fire risk assessment before the festive season.

Christmas Lights

While Christmas lights contribute a magical touch, they also entail potential risks. To enhance safety, it is advisable to securely string up lights to avoid accidents. Additionally, attention should be given to ensuring power leads and cables do not create trip hazards.

Regular inspections of lights for safety, especially if they haven’t undergone portable appliance testing, are crucial. Furthermore, turning off lights when the church is unattended is essential to prevent accidents. Click here for additional guidance available on electrical safety.

Tasks like decorating with lights may require working at height. Prioritise with safety tips here for working at height.

Candles

Candles play a significant role in worship during this festive season, from lighting advent candles to illuminating carol services. Explore some more safety measures on how to use candles safely within your church.

Christmas Events

Special services and events add joy, but larger gatherings may pose additional risks. Take proportionate precautions based on event size, venue, volunteer involvement, visitor expectations, and the nature of activities.

If you are unsure about your Charity Events Insurance, it is best to contact your insurance provider.

Potential Hazards of Slipping and Tripping

Identifying pedestrian areas prone to slips and trips is vital. During this season it’s advised to monitor weather forecasts for adverse conditions, gritting slippery areas in frosty or icy conditions. Clearing snow from access routes, diverting pedestrians to safer walkways, and considering fencing off hazardous areas are essential measures to address potential risks.

For more information on handling snow and ice, visit the gov.uk website.

This Christmas, let’s create a festive and safe environment in our churches. WRS Insurance Brokers is here to support you in ensuring a joyful celebration for all.

About WRS

We’ve been helping churches of all sizes find the best Church Buildings Insurance for their needs for over 40 years. Whether your buildings are old or modern, our experienced team will give you the peace of mind you need.

WRS is part of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned, international family of financial services companies that gives all available profits to charity and good causes.