Christmas time at home, it’s a time of festive joy and, groans, the annual visit from the distant family, but with so much Christmas joy under one roof there is bound to be an increased risk of hazards in the home. Christmas shopping, the kids, the money, the husband….They all contribute to you becoming stressed and tired. Alcohol is another big contributor, as well as excitement, decorations, mixing young and old, having a large number of people in the house at one time and even Christmas dinner! Here is just a few reminders on how to keep you, and your family, safe this Christmas.
A Christmas Kiss: mistletoe is poisonous, and can even cause hallucinations so keep it well out of the way of children. Other festive plants that are dangerous include the Christmas rose and Christmas cherry.
Christmas Dinner: as tasty as it is, traditional Christmas dinner can present its hazards. Preparation runs the risk of nasty burns and cuts, so extra care should be taken. Always make sure the turkey is cooked properly to avoid food poisoning, visit eatwell for guidelines. Also be careful if you are keeping the tradition of hiding 6 pence pieces in Christmas pudding as this presents a choking hazard. Alternatives such as hiding six pence pieces under bowls or place mats are worth considering.
Deck the Halls: but do it carefully. Never use unstable chairs or a table to reach some where high, use a safe step ladder instead. Always keep an eye on children, many decorations run a high risk of choking. Fairy lights can be dangerous, make sure that old lights are still in a safe condition and that the wire and bulb are all intact. Also try and keep all cables tucked away to avoid trips and falls.
A Christmas Tipple: we all have one, but keep it down to a minimum and never drink and drive.
Hope you bear these tips in mind for the festive season and Merry Christmas.
