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Christmas is a time to have fun and enjoy the company of family, but we’re often too busy enjoying all the festivities that we forget about that lit candle, hot oven or open window…
Make a note of the following safety tips, and keep your home and loved ones safe this Christmas!
1. Remember your Christmas tree is a fire risk
Whether you put up a real or artificial tree, remember it is a fire risk. Keep your tree well away from heat sources and if you opt for a real tree, always make sure there’s water in the stand. Real trees drink water very quickly when they’re indoors and a dry tree can be fully engulfed in flames in seconds and flames can spread quickly around the whole room. Check that your artificial Christmas tree has a label confirming it’s been certified and identified by the manufacturer as fire-resistant.
2. Check your lights
You should inspect your fairy lights when you get them out and check for any cracked bulbs, frayed cord or loose wires. Damaged lights, particularly those on trees can be a fire risk. Also, touching faulty or damaged lights can be dangerous as they could cause an electric shock. Check new lights for the British Safety Standard logo on the packaging to ensure they meet current safety standards.
3. Always switch off
When you’re topping up your tree with water, turn off your lights and always switch your lights off at night no matter how tired you after an eventful day of festive fun. Ensure you switch your lights off the tree and unplug them, turn off all electrical devices and ensure all candles have been blown out. Fairy lights may be the cause of up to 20 fires each year!
4. Watch out in the kitchen
As the saying goes, “too many cooks spoil the broth”, too many people in the kitchen is never a good idea. With hot pans and utensils out and all the rushing around, the kitchen can be a very dangerous place. According to the NHS, 80,000 people a year need hospital treatment for injuries such as falls, cuts and burns during the festive period.
5. Keep your holiday plans low-key
Off on holiday this Christmas, or staying with relatives? Don’t be tempted to share your plans or location on social media. Don’t give opportunists the chance to go sniffing around your empty property. If you are going to be away from your home this Christmas, don’t leave any presents or valuable items on show. Check all your doors are locked before leaving and if you can, tell a trustworthy neighbour that you’re going away so they can be on the lookout for any unusual activity!
Private Health Insurance
At General & Medical Healthcare, want to put you first this Christmas because the health of you and your family is important to us! We care about your overall health and wellbeing which is why we provide plenty of useful blogs for you. Plus, when you take a private health insurance policy out with us, we’ll provide you with access to our complimentary 24/7 Health and Wellbeing Services, providing health checks, lifestyle programmes, self-help and more! Take a look at our website here and get your free quote to see how little Private Health Insurance could cost you!