Wednesday, 19 December 2018

Stay safe over Christmas....

It is a horrible fact that more accidents happen over Christmas than any other time of the year. More than 80,000 people a year need hospital treatment for injuries such as falls, cuts and burns during the festive period. With a little more care and forward planning most accidents could be avoided!


Make sure you buy children's gifts for the correct age group and from proper shops that comply with safety standards.

Look out for small items that young children could choke on. Things like parts that have fallen off toys, button batteries and burst balloons.

Keep decorations and cards away from fires and other heat sources such as light fittings and don't leave burning candles unattended....Make sure you put them out before going to bed. People are 50% more likely to die in a house fire over Christmas than at any other time of year.

If you have old Christmas lights consider buying new ones which will meet much higher safety standards. Around 350 people a year are hurt by Christmas tree lights. Injuries include people falling while they're putting them up, children swallowing the bulbs, and people getting electric shocks and burns from faulty lights. Don't let children play with lights and remember to switch off the lights when going out of the house or going to bed. 

Remember that those singing and dancing Christmas novelties are not toys even if they look like them and they do not have to comply with toy safety regulations so be careful.

Give yourself enough time to prepare and cook Christmas dinner. Many accidents come from rushing. Burns, cuts and slips. Keep anyone not helping with dinner out of the kitchen. 

Have scissors handy to open presents and packaging so you're not tempted to use a knife and have screwdrivers at the ready to assemble toys. 

Falls are the most common accidents so try to keep clutter to a minimum. Make sure stairs are well-lit and free from obstacles especially if you have guests going up to use the bathroom. 

Mistletoe is poisonous. It's berries contain toxic proteins that slow the heart rate and can cause hallucinations.

Plan New Year fireworks parties well in advance and follow the Firework Safety Code.

Do not drink and drive and plan long journeys so you won't be driving tired.

Stay safe!!

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