Stay Safe This Christmas

It is very noticeable now that the Christmas celebrations are gathering pace. More and more party goers are frequenting the many pubs, restaurants and clubs during the build up. The next two and half weeks or so promises to be manic. I’m all in favour of having a good time. Those of you that know me will know that I like a sherbet or two now and then!! And why not!! However before we all go overboard on the celebrations, let us all take a moment to consider something so very important. And that is take steps to stay safe this Christmas.

In this article I will look to provide you with a few basic tips.

Stay Safe This Christmas

Stay Safe This Christmas

There are various ways in which we should look to stay safe this Christmas. One of which of course is fire safety. Did you know……

In 2002, 1,000 people were estimated to have visited A&E in the UK after home accidents involving Christmas trees and 350 people after home accidents involving Christmas lights.

Source: Home Accident Surveillance System, 2002.

In addition…

Candles sparked around 1,000 UK house fires, resulting in 9 deaths and 388 casualties, in 2011/12.

Fairy lights went up in smoke causing 20 fires, while Christmas trees, decorations and cards were also a fire risk and responsible for 47 house fires, leading to 20 non-fatal casualties, across the UK.

Source: 2011/12 Fire Statistics Great Britain from the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Thanks again to one of my regular readers, John from Blacon, for providing me with these very useful links provided by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service…..

Stay Fire Safe This Christmas – click HERE to find out more.

John has also provided me with a link to this video….

You can watch it HERE

Take heed folks. It won’t take up too much of your time to review these safety tips. You may be glad you took the trouble to do so.

Other Safety Tips

As well as fire safety tips, there are other areas of safety we should consider. For instance, take a look at these useful snippets…..

Children’s Safety

• Make sure you buy children’s gifts for the correct age group and from reputable sources that comply with standards (e.g. The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011)
• Remember to buy batteries for toys that need them – that way you won’t be tempted to remove batteries from smoke alarms.
• Look out for small items that could pose a choking hazard to young children, including parts that have fallen off toys or from Christmas trees, button batteries and burst balloons.
• Remember, Christmas novelties are not toys, even if they resemble them, and they do not have to comply with toy safety regulations. Give careful thought to where you display them, for example, place them high up on Christmas trees where they are out of the reach of young hands.

For Children And The Rest Of The Family

• Keep decorations and cards away from fires and other heat sources such as light fittings. Don’t leave burning candles unattended, make sure you put them out before going to bed and do not put candles on Christmas trees.
• If you have old Christmas lights, seriously consider buying new ones, which will meet much higher safety standards, keep the lights switched off until the Christmas tree is decorated, don’t let children play with lights (some have swallowed the bulbs), and remember to switch off the lights when going out of the house or going to bed.
• Give yourself enough time to prepare and cook Christmas 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.
• Have scissors handy to open packaging, so you’re not tempted to use a knife, and have screwdrivers at the ready to assemble toys.
• Beware of 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 Safety Code.
• Do not drink and drive, and plan long journeys so you won’t be driving tired.
• Also, if you are planning a journey, check the weather forecast before you set off.

If You’re Going Out

Sadly this time of the year also sees an increase in trips to A&E for violence related incidents. I’ve lost count of the festive scuffles I’ve seen this time of the year over the several (ahem….many, many) years I’ve enjoyed a festive snifter or two. I know it’s easier to say then actually do, but if you do get agitated, count to ten before lashing out. If it is in someone’s nature to be violent anyway then this message won’t mean a jot. But for those that are normally quite placid but find themselves in a potential explosive situation, just walk away.

Also, if you see a potential incident developing then why not tap the friendly doorman on the shoulder and ask him, or her, to keep an eye on a particular, potential flare up. You never know you might help prevent a full scale scuffle. Better to do that than do nothing and risk pub customers and their families Christmas’ being ruined. Me? I’ve always been a lover, not a fighter, so you won’t get any mither from me nor my muckers!!

In between venues be vigilant while you are wobbling from pub to pub. Try to remember to put your wallet in a safe place and keep a good grip on your handbag. If the weather is snowy and icy wear suitable footing. Mind you judging by what some of the young ladies nearly wear on a night out, I’m not sure if they would consider wearing a pair of wellies for safety reasons. A bit extreme maybe for our weather hardy youngsters, but I think you get my drift generally.

Traffic

Also, keep an eye on the traffic. For me, especially around the Frodsham Street area. I honestly think Frodsham Street is an accident waiting to happen. This is the first Christmas of the new ‘pedestrianised’ set up. People still wander out into the street thinking there is no traffic coming. Add a few sherbets to the equation and Christmas revellers are even more vulnerable. Pay particular attention to this and wandering through the streets generally.

In Conclusion

Christmas is of course a time for fun and families (and plenty of footie of course!!), but we should all try to make sure we stay safe this Christmas. The year 2018 is only a matter of days away. Let’s all try and get there unscathed hey!!

I’m out for a shandy or two with a good friend of mine tonight. I’ll keep an eye out for any young ladies dressed up to the nines wearing industrial safety first wellies. If I see any then I’ll know at least a few people have read this message and taken note.

If you are out tonight, wrap up well, stay safe and above all, enjoy yourselves!!!

Thanks again John for your invaluable contribution to this Stay Safe This Christmas message. Much appreciated.