Christmas is a time to relax, celebrate and catch up with family and friends. But with busy homes and increased travel, the festive season can also bring added safety risks.
By being aware of common Christmas hazards and taking a few simple precautions, you can reduce the risk of accidents and enjoy the festivities – without any incidents.
Christmas safety tips for children
If you have children at home, it’s especially important to be mindful of potential hazards during the festive period.
Some common Christmas-related risks for children include:
- Decorations and berries (for instance, holly or mistletoe berries)
Certain festive decorations can present a choking hazard, particularly for young children. Try to keep these out of reach or opt for child-safe alternatives when decorating.
- Small batteries
Button batteries found in some toys can be extremely dangerous if swallowed. Make sure battery compartments are secure and store loose batteries safely.
- New toys and gifts
Remember to check age recommendations and assemble toys correctly before use. Children should always be supervised when using higher-risk items like bikes, scooters or trampoline sets.
Christmas safety tips for adults
As well as looking out for your children’s safety at Christmas, it’s important to bear in mind the potential dangers for adults, too:
- Fire safety
Make sure that no lights or candles are left on overnight – this is one of the main causes of fires over the Christmas period. Try to give yourself plenty of time to cook on Christmas Day, too, as rushing could lead to fire-related accidents. - Tripping hazards
Secure or tape down any wires or cables that people could trip over. Try to organise toys and presents in a safe pile towards the edge of the room so that they’re not obstructing anyone’s path. - Wrapping incidents
It might sound silly, but wrapping presents quickly could result in mild or severe cuts. Although it’s tempting, try not to rush when wrapping your gifts, and make sure to leave the scissors behind if you need to run to go and get something!
Driving safely at Christmas
Christmas often involves long journeys, busy roads and unpredictable weather conditions. Whether you’re visiting loved ones or heading out for last-minute shopping, road safety is crucial during the festive period.
To stay safe on the roads this Christmas –
- Plan your journey in advance to avoid unnecessary stress and rushing
- Allow extra time for travel, especially in poor weather or if there’s likely to be heavy traffic
- Check your vehicle before setting off (tyres, lights, oil levels and windscreen washer fluid)
- Take regular breaks on long journeys to avoid fatigue
Most importantly, don’t drink and drive. Arrange a designated driver or alternative transport if you’ll be drinking alcohol.
Enjoying a safe and happy Christmas
Of course, you don’t want to spend all of Christmas Day worrying, and it’s important that you have fun! But by knowing the potential risks, you’ll be better placed to prepare yourself for the big day and keep everyone safe.
