Christmas Safety Advice
Christmas really is a magical time of year. We get to spend quality time with our family and friends, swap gifts galore, eat delicious food, visit Christmas markets with the enticing smell of sausages and mulled wine, and we get to decorate our homes with sparkle and fun. But we mustn’t forget that this is also the time of year that most avoidable accidents happen in the home. It’s a very busy season for all, and it’s easy to become distracted from supervising our little ones, but their safety comes above all else.
To make sure your Christmas goes smoothly here are some thoughts to consider throughout the festive period:
Toys
- Buy age appropriate toys with safety standard markings, and keep an eye on older children sharing with younger children
- Make sure no batteries are left lying around, especially the small button batteries, and if you run out of batteries never take them from the smoke alarm!
- Don’t forget the helmets if Santa is bringing a bike or scooter
- Make sure new toys such as trampolines and new TV’s are set up correctly and in a safe place
- Have scissors to hand to open packaging, avoid using a knife
Christmas tree and decorations
- Buy fire resistant artificial trees and decorations and shatterproof baubles
- The drier a real tree, the more flammable, so keep away from open fires and heaters and be aware that some chemicals used to stop the needles dropping from real trees are also flammable
- Avoid hanging stockings over an open fire as a small child will be drawn to them. If they are hung, avoid weighing them down with anything heavy that can be pull down
- Mistletoe and holly berries can be poisonous to both children and pets, even as few as 2 berries, so keep out of reach of children and keep an eye out for any berries that have dropped on the floor
Christmas lights
- Do not use faulty lights, always replace from a reputable company
- Keep cords from lights away from small children
- Only use outdoor lights outside
- Do not overload your sockets
- Always switch your lights off when you go out or go to bed
Food
- Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and cook dinner to avoid hot fat, boiling water or sharp knife accidents
- Check the alcohol content of your Christmas pud, great for you, but not your child
- Keep peanuts and snacks out of reach of small children
Visitor and visiting
- Ensure handbags and coats of guests are out of sight of small children as it may contain medication, lighters or sharp objects
- Ask visitors to keep their alcohol or hot drinks out of reach as they may not be as safety aware as you. Hot drinks can still burn 20mins after they have been poured
- When visiting, don’t leave babies asleep in their car seats for long periods
- Always take jackets and bulky clothing off in the car to ensure seat belts are fitted correctly and children don’t overheat
- Shops and markets are very busy, so keep your little ones close by at all times
A 2hr Daisy First Aid class can show you how to deal with medical emergencies such as poisoning, burns, head injuries, bleeding and so much more!! Please take a look at our website www.daisyfirstaid.com to see where your nearest instructor and classes are.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy and healthy New Year!
Lots of love
Carolyn
Daisy First Aid Greenwich Facebook Page