Christmas has crept up on us this year, as the unusually warm summer gave way almost instantly to an unusually cold autumn. Now, with no warning, we’ve got a Christmas to plan! But Christmas can be as risky as it can be fun, as new hazards are introduced – not just in relation to the weather, but also with regard to your household! What can you do to make your home safe this Christmas?
Christmas Tree Placement
Christmas at home is practically defined by the presence of your Christmas tree. The joyful display of tinsel, lights and baubles is enough to get anyone excited for the festive season! But there are some things you should be mindful of in putting your Christmas tree up.
Chiefly, whether your tree is a real pine or faux plastic one, you should ensure it is an ample distance from your fireplace. You want to make sure that no accidental fires can occur through a misplaced spark flying onto the tree.
Candles and Flames
Speaking of fire… There is something deeply comforting about fire at Christmas, whether the warmth and scent of a well-placed candle or the quiet roar of a domestic fireplace. But, while the dangers of fire are well-understood by all, many of us have a tendency to get a little complacent around Christmas-time – especially if a dram or two of sherry is involved!
As such, it is important to re-state some simple fire safety provisions with regard to your potential Christmas plans. Any candles should not be left unattended – a child or pet could easily come into contact with them, hurting themselves or spreading the fire. Likewise, any hearth fires should have a spark guard or coal screen placed in front of them; this prevents loose coal from rolling out into your living room, and puts a barrier between open flames and your younger loved ones!
Fairy Lights
Christmas is also a time of drastically increased energy bills, as the fairy lights come on both inside and outside. This year, though, you might want to refresh your Christmas lights for a new display – not just aesthetically, but with regard to safety too.
Older fairy lights are an increased safety risk, as they are more likely to blow out or expose someone to electric shocks. Newer sets are pristine, and also have less energy demand – ensuring a safer and less expensive Christmas for your household.
Furthermore, hanging lights outdoors, especially along rooflines, gutters, or tall trees, often comes with added risks. Climbing ladders, working at heights, and handling electrical connections in hard-to-reach areas can be dangerous if not done properly. For this reason, you could consider hiring professionals specializing in Christmas Lights Installation to ensure everything is set up securely, safely, and beautifully.
Cooking
Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, one of the leading areas in which Christmas injuries occur is the kitchen. Whether messing with the oven, baking your Christmas cake or carving the turkey, there are numerous festive hazards for you to watch out for. Again, your oven and stove hobs should never be left on unattended; children and pets could injure themselves. Sharp knives should be cleaned and put away after use, as your kitchen will be busier than you are used to!