As the festive season is fast approaching we will all be thinking of digging out the Christmas Decorations and making our homes more festive. Decorations are a great symbol of Christmas and the fun that it can bring but we need to be aware of the risks that they can cause as well.

Fire risks

The use of candles and additional electrical items can present a fire risk if you don’t treat them with respect and use them correctly. Here are some tips to keep you safe:

• Check that your lights are operating correctly before installing them and fully intact with no loose connections or damaged wires.
• Don’t overload plugs or extension leads and use the correct adapters where needed.
• Turn off your lights when you are not in or in bed to reduce the fire risk as well as cutting the energy costs when you won’t be there to enjoy them.
• If you are lighting festive candles and tea lights as part of your decorations make sure that you put them in a safe place away from children and pets where they can’t be knocked or touched. Also keep them away from Christmas trees, curtains and loose decorations.
• Put your Christmas tree away from heat sources to reduce risk and if you have a real tree it could increase its lifespan.
• Hydrate your real tree so that it doesn’t dry out and become more flammable.
• Artificial trees can also be flammable so when you buy one choose one that is fire resistant.

Other risks

Fire isn’t the only risk with decorations, so here are some more festive safety tips:

• Minimise trip hazards by keeping wires and decorations away from walkways, and secure decorations safely to prevent them from falling.
• Ensure that when you are climbing to fit decorations you use appropriate tools such as step ladders and have a solid base to prevent falls. Have someone holding the ladders if required to keep them stable and stop them from being knocked.
• If you are securing electrical wires use hooks or insulated staples so that you don’t damage the wires.
• Make sure that you use decorations and lights that are suitable for outdoor use outside so that there is no risk of water getting into the electrics.
• If you have young children or pets make sure your Christmas tree is anchored down well to prevent it falling if pulled, pushed or jumped on (by a cat).
• Choose tree decorations that are not easily breakable like glass which can break into small pieces.
• If you put chocolates or candy canes on your tree place them carefully. If you have children you may want them out of reach but consider them climbing or reaching to get them. If you have pets place them higher up as chocolate is poisonous to dogs.
• Poinsettias are also surprisingly poisonous if digested by children or pets.
• Keep batteries stored away from children and pets, and ensure that any decorations that are battery powered have secure battery storage that can’t be easily accessed.

Being aware of the risks means we can minimise accidents from happening and hopefully have a safe and enjoyable festive period without a trip to A&E or a minor injuries unit.

We wish you a safe and great festive period, full of fun and happiness!

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