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Safe Christmas and New Year's Eve

8 October 2024

The Christmas tree, the decorations, the gifts, and the holiday meals have made Christmas and New Year's Eve particularly exciting holidays. There are many ways to celebrate, but only one way to stay safe: follow the safety guidelines.

Setting up the Christmas tree at home

The Christmas tree and its decorations contribute to the festive spirit, but they can also present safety hazards. Before purchasing or setting up a tree, ensure it is stable to prevent it from tipping over and causing injury or damage. Remember that Christmas trees are flammable, so it's crucial to position them away from heat sources like ovens, as well as flammable materials such as curtains and tablecloths, to minimize the risk of fire.

Decorating the tree

The tree is decorated with colorful ornaments and string lights that add a festive touch. To make sure you have a safe and enjoyable holiday, be sure to follow these guidelines:
  • Keep lights spaced away from decorations to avoid overheating and reduce the risk of fire.
  • Check the condition of the light wires before use to avoid electric shocks.
  • Prefer battery-operated string lights instead of electric lights for decorating the tree.
  • Never leave lights on when you're not around. Make sure to turn them off before going to bed or leaving the house.
  • Small children are naturally curious and often explore by putting things in their mouths. To prevent choking hazards, keep decorations that are small away from children under 5 years old.
  • Install smoke detectors to warn you about fires and help you escape quickly in case of an emergency.

Fireworks and firecrackers

Christmastime is a time for celebration, and some people like to use fireworks and firecrackers to add some excitement. But it's best to steer clear of these items; they can cause some serious harm. We're talking about nasty injuries like losing fingers, damaging eyes, burning hands, and even explosions in pockets. These are just a few of the common accidents caused by firecrackers, cap guns, and other flammable toys. It's not worth the risk when there are so many safer ways to enjoy Christmas.