Tis the season to be Jolly! Very Jolly in fact, we all like to let our hair down at this time of year, drinking and generally just focusing on having fun.
With all the merry making it’s easy to forget that Christmas comes with it’s own festive hazards.
Carbon Monoxide
In an effort to be more cosy, households often crank up the gas and light fires. It is, therefore, important to stay CO aware.
You should test your Carbon Monoxide alarms, changing the batteries if needed. If you don't have an alarm, go out and buy one! Make sure rooms with a fireplace are properly ventilated and make sure your chimney is clear of blockages (for Santa's sake).
Fairy Lights
Around 350 people a year are hurt by Christmas tree lights, according to RoSPA. Injuries include people falling while they're putting them up, children swallowing the bulbs, and people getting electric shocks and burns from faulty lights.
The advice is to always to test your lights and don’t overload sockets. Don’t leave young children near your Christmas tree lights unsupervised!
Christmas trees
Every year, about 1,000 people are injured by their tree, usually while fixing stars, lights or other decorations to the higher branches, reports the RoSPA. They are pretty easy to knock over too, as anyone who’s watched you’ve been framed knows all to well.
Always use a step ladder to put up the decorations and don't over-reach yourself. Buy the correct size tree so you don't have to saw the top off and risk cutting yourself.
Stress
Excess drinking, partying, relatives, getting the wrong present, cooking Christmas dinner, any sort of shopping at this time of year, everything adds up to create a perfect storm of stress!
Try to find some time alone, even if it’s only to have a relaxing bath. Learn to say no to the demands of relatives. It’s important not to suppress your emotions. Try to talk to someone you trust or a third party, such as the Samaritans. Find out more on keeping Christmas stress-free.
Kitchen
Hot fat, boiling water and sharp knives make the kitchen one of the most dangerous places during the holiday.
The Christmas meal is probably the biggest meal most families cook all year. It needs careful planning to avoid injuries.
Try to keep other people (especially children) out of the kitchen. Avoid alcohol until you've finished cooking, and wipe up spills as soon as they happen, so that people don't slip.
Presents
People are often a bit too eager when opening presents. Children fall prey to a feverish present rush and invariably fall over presents in their desperate attempt to locate their own. Other accidents include parents stabbing themselves with scissors when they are used to assemble toys in the absence of a screwdriver!
Don’t rush. Take time to enjoy the moment. Have a screwdriver ready for toys that are screwed into packaging. Clear up the packaging and wrapping paper as you go along, and remember to recycle.
Candles
People are 50% more likely to die in a house fire over Christmas than at any other time of year. Taking care with candles and oil burners is one way to help you and your family and friends avoid a Christmas house fire.
Never put candles on or near a Christmas tree Never leave an open flame unattended.
Always place tea lights inside an appropriate container. “They have been known to burn through baths and television sets.
Stay safe this Christmas!
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