LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 12/11/12 -- Homeowners are being warned not to overload their homes with fairy lights as the UK heads into the festive season.

Swinton, the UK's leading home insurance provider is warning homeowners of the dangers that fairy lights and Christmas decorations can pose to homes, if careful consideration is not paid when erecting.

It is said that some Christmas trees such as the Scotch pine tree can become engulfed in flames within three seconds of it catching fire, so it comes as no surprise that Christmas trees and the decorations that come with them are common causes of house fires during the holiday season.

With this in mind, Swinton has the following tips and advice for homeowners this Christmas:

--  Check fairy light fuses are the correct type 
    
--  If bulbs are blown, replace them as this will help avoid any fusing that
    could occur in the circuit 
    
--  Always ensure fairy lights are turn off when sleeping or out of the home
    - if fairy lights are left on too long, they can get extremely hot 
    
--  Never let any Christmas decorations touch fairy lights - most
    decorations are flammable and when touching a hot surface, can easily
    combust resulting in a fire 
    
--  Do not overload plug sockets - plug sockets can get hot if left on for
    long periods of time and have been known to spark which can result in
    the start of a house fire 
    
--  Remember that a burning Christmas tree could easily set a whole room on
    fire in a short space of time so take extra precaution when decorating
    with fairy lights and decorations 

Steve Chelton, Claims Manager at Swinton said: "Putting up Christmas decorations is a time that should be enjoyed by all, but careful consideration should be paid when doing so. A fire can start very easily if people do not pay attention to where fairy lights are put up, how many are plugged into the one socket or extension lead, and that they aren't near anything that could easily set alight."

About Swinton

--  With 553 branches nationwide Swinton is the UK's largest high street
    insurance retailer 
    
--  Unlike many other companies in the financial services industry, Swinton
    is committed to keeping its branches open for business, and part of the
    community 
    
--  Swinton provides a one-stop-shop for the insurance and related needs of
    its clients, offering home, car, caravan, business, holiday, motorbike
    and even classic car insurance 
    
--  With a dedicated team of advisors on hand at every branch to search a
    panel of insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates