Don't let an accident at home ruin your Christmas

WITH the festive season now upon us, let it be a happy time and don’t let an accident in the home spoil your fun.

This is the message from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) who are encouraging people to take a moment to think about safety in their home.

Elizabeth Lumsden, community safety manager for RoSPA in Scotland, said it is pertinant at this time of year especially with the likelihood of visitors such as young children dropping in to celebrate.

RoSPA are driving home the message that safety precautions are not over the top, because with just a little more care and forward planning, most accidents could be avoided.

"If you’re expecting young children to visit your home this Christmas, it would be worth spending a few minutes to think about any preparations that might make your home safer for them," said Mrs Lumsden. "Looking around your home from a child’s point of view will help you to spot things that could attract their attention and that you might want to move or lock away safely."

For example, look out for small items that could pose a choking hazard to babies and toddlers.

this could include dishes of peanuts or sweets, parts that have fallen off toys or from Christmas trees, Christmas novelties that are designed to be displayed rather than played with, toys that are not suitable for very young children, button batteries, and burst balloons.

Medication should also be stored safely out of the sight and reach of children, and consider whether household chemicals kept under the sink need to be moved or the cupboard locked.

If you have blinds or curtains with looped operating cords, tie the cords high up out of the reach of young children or, better still, use one of the many cleats, cord tidies, clips or ties that are available.

"The supervision of young children is crucial when it comes to preventing accidents," she explained. "At busy times, there are potentially more people around to supervise; but the excitement of Christmas can also cause a distraction, including through the drinking of alcohol or joining the cook in the kitchen while children are left alone to play in another room."

People should be aware that supervision, care and forward planning in the home can all help prevent most accidents this Christmas.

Other tips for helping your house guests have a happy and safe stay at your home:

If you have guests sleeping downstairs, keep the stairs free of clutter so they can get up and down to the bathroom easily

Keep the landing light on so guests don’t have to make their way to an unfamiliar bathroom in the dark

Check your smoke alarm is working

Invest in an audible carbon monoxide detector (but remember that a detector is only a last line of defence and is not a substitute for the regular servicing of fuel-burning appliances and good ventilation).

For Christmas safety advice visit www.rospa.com/homesafety/adviceandinformation/christmassafety/safety-tips.aspx.