The festive season is almost with us!
Sadly, it's a known fact at this time of year that all added fun and excitement, and all those extra visitors in your home, can lead to accidents.
But, the good thing is that there are usually more people around to keep an eye on things and, with a little more care and forward planning, most accidents can be avoided.
Our safety tips will help you enjoy your festivities - and make sure they aren't cut short by a trip to casualty:
- Make sure you buy children's gifts for the right age group and from reputable retailers, and that they comply to safety standards. (Find more information on our toy safety pages).
- Don't forget to buy batteries for toys that need them – don't be tempted to remove them from smoke alarms.
- Look out for small things that could choke someone - cracker novelties, those small button batteries, burst balloons etc.
- Don't drink and drive, and plan any long journeys so you don't drive tired.
- Keep decorations and cards away from fires and other heat sources such as light fittings.
- Don't leave burning candles unattended. Put them out before going to bed and never put candles on your Christmas tree.
- If you have old Christmas lights, seriously consider buying new ones which meet much higher safety standards. Don't let children play with lights (some have swallowed the bulbs).
- Christmas novelties are not toys, even if they look like them, so they don't have to comply with toy safety regulations. Keep them out of reach of young hands by displaying them at the very top of the Christmas tree.
- Give yourself enough time to make Christmas dinner to avoid the hot fat, boiling water and sharp knife accidents that come from rushing. Keep anyone not helping with dinner out of the kitchen and wipe up any spills quickly.
- Use scissors to open packaging, not a knife. Have screwdrivers at the ready to assemble toys and when the packages are all open, clear the clutter.
- Look out for trailing cables and wires in the rush to connect new gadgets and appliances, and always read instructions.
- 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
- Plan New Year fireworks parties well in advance and follow the Firework Code.
Enjoy the festive season - but stay safe too!
