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Staying safe this Christmas
By Richard Francois
An unattended stove burner can causing a fire
Baby with lights
It’s the season to be jolly, but you must ensure that while you enjoy the festivities of the Christmas holidays you do so in a safe, responsible manner. Accidents do occur, so it is important that you put measures in place to avoid any mishaps during the holiday season.
After a careful review of some of the conventional advice relating to Christmas safety, I have compiled a list that you can use to ensure you and your family, love ones and friends, stay safe this Christmas.
- Always keep doors and windows locked when leaving the house and going to bed.
- Tear down gift boxes before putting them in the trash, so you do not advertise to the world what is available in your home.
- Place Christmas trees away from all heat sources.
- Keep candles or any other open flames at least a foot away from burnable materials. Do not leave burning candles unattended – make sure you put them out before going to bed – and do not put candles on Christmas trees. Make sure candles are in stable holders that cannot be easily knocked down.
- Never leave open flames or cooking burners unattended.
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets, which may overheat and start a fire.
- Look out for small items that young children could choke on, including parts that have fallen off toys or from Christmas trees, button batteries, and burst balloons.
Give yourself enough time to prepare and cook Christmas lunch/dinner to avoid hot fat, boiling water and sharp knife accidents that come from rushing, and keep anyone not helping with dinner out of the kitchen. Wipe up any spills quickly.- Use scissors to open packaging and screwdrivers to put together toys. Do not use a knife.
- Watch out for trailing cables and wires when you connect new gadgets and appliances, and always read instructions.
- Falls are the most common accidents, so try to keep clutter to a minimum.
- Watch how much you drink; never drink and drive.
- If you cannot find a ride with someone who is sober, take public transportation, a taxi or a ride share.
- Plan long journeys so you won’t be driving tired.
Socket Outlet
The Christmas holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year, as long as you stay safe. Be sure to follow these simple steps to make sure you, your family, love ones and friends, can sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the season safely, without worry or injury.
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