Christmas Safety Tips

Tis the season to be jolly and a time when your home is likely to be full of people and Christmas Safety is usually the last things on our minds with all the parties, excited children and it is when the alcohol flows most.  Christmas traditions and celebrations can lead to accidents so Fast Response PFA Ltd have put together a few simple tips on how to keep you and your family safe during the holiday season.

CHRISTMAS SAFETY –  TREE & LIGHTS

• If you have old lights, maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a new set. New ones will meet higher safety standards.
• Look for safety marks e.g. BS Kitemark and cheap isn’t always best so buy them from a reputable store.
• As much as you may want to cover every inch of your house with fairy lights, check the lights’ packaging for the power output and never plug in more than what a power strip or outlet says it can handle.
• Make sure the cable is long enough and in good condition. Ensure it is behind furniture so nobody can trip over it. Don’t attach extension leads to extension leads.
• Never leave your Christmas lights on either when you go out or go to bed.
• Don’t allow children or the cat to play with the lights.
• Keep your tree at least three feet away from all heat sources  such as fireplaces, radiators, and heat vents.
• If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled “fire resistant.” Fire-resistant trees are less susceptible to catching fire.
• If you have a real tree, remember to keep it watered as the drier the tree becomes, the more easily it could ignite. You stand should have a water reservoir so choose a good sturdy one to keep it moist and that it won’t fall over.
• Check your smoke detector works.

CHRISTMAS SAFETY – CANDLES AND OPEN FIRES

• We all love candles and the warm glow and feel they give but as an open flame candles are a huge fire risk.
• If you have children, use LED or battery operated ones instead. It’s SO not worth the risk.
• If you are going to use candles, keep them a good 12 inches away from other objects and never leave a candle unattended.
• If you have a coal fire always use the fire guard and don’t throw wrapping paper in the fire as this paper can catch fire very quickly and can cause flash fires. Instead, recycle or even better – reuse your wrapping paper!

TOYS & SHOPPING

• Keep all the kids in mind when selecting gifts in that they are age appropriate and carry the British Safety Kitemark and CE sign.
• Younger children often want to play with older children’s toys so keep in mind safety and choking hazards.
• Buy plenty of batteries so as you won’t be tempted to remove batteries from other devices such as your smoke alarm.
• When out shopping, it’s such a busy time of year so keep your bags safe from pick pockets.
• If you do a lot of shopping online like I do, don’t have packages piling up on your front door if you know you’re not going to be in.  It’s an inviting time for criminals looking out for free gifts.

DRINKING ALCOHOL

• It’s that time of year where the alcohol flows as the party grows so know your limits.
• NEVER drink and drive.
• Many people have wooden floors these days so if you spill it then wipe it up. If you break a glass get the hoover out as it’s easy to miss a few bits of glass especially if a little tipsy!

PLANTS

• Did you know that poinsettias , mistletoe and holly berries and are poisonous when eaten, so keep them out of reach of kids and pets.

 Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

If you have an interest in any of our courses in relation to this post, click on the following links:

Fire Marshal

Fire Safety Awareness

Paediatric First Aid Online for Parents