With Christmas less than 2 weeks away, we’ve put together our top tips for a safe celebration in your home this year…
Christmas Lights
Before you start decorating the interior and exterior of your home with beautiful twinkling Christmas Lights, you will need to check that they are still working properly and comply with the British Safety Standard. Plug them in and take a look at how they are performing. If they are years and years old, it’s worth replacing them for a brand new set.
Make sure you don’t overload your electrical sockets and ensure your exterior Christmas lights are fitted with a good quality residual current device. It’s important that you never leave your Christmas lights on overnight or when you’re not going to be at home – switch them off to avoid any accidents.
Candles
With the dark evenings and relaxing atmosphere that they provide, we tend to light a lot more candles over the Christmas period. Make sure you never place candles near your Christmas tree, furnishings, cards or decorations as these can easily catch alight. Never leave your burning candles unattended. Once your candle is lit, keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
Guests
If you’re having lots of guests come and visit your home this festive season, make sure they know what to do in the event of an emergency. Chances are they don’t know where you keep your window or back door keys, but it’s so important that they are aware in case of a serious incident.
Children
Be vigilant and look out for small items that could be a choking hazard to young children, including parts that have fallen off the Christmas tree, toys, boiled sweets or small button batteries.
Fireworks
If you’re planning on celebrating the festive season with fireworks, make sure you follow the instructions and guidelines. You can read our in depth Firework Safety advice here
Cooking
Christmas Day in the kitchen can be hectic! If you’re the one in charge of preparing the Christmas feast this year, ensure you avoid leaving the cooking unattended. If someone needs your attention, or you need to answer the door to the guests that you’re expecting, turn off the gas or ask someone responsible to supervise it for you. If you’re going to be cooking for most of the day make sure that you’re not wearing loose clothing, as this can easily catch fire in the kitchen.
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
With so much going on in the house during the Christmas celebrations, it can be easy to forget to check up on your alarms. Make sure that you have a fully working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm in your home. Remember to buy extra batteries for gifts that require them – that way you won’t be tempted to remove batteries from these alarms!
Secure
If you’re away from home this Christmas, you need to take steps to secure it. Properties thatlook obviously unoccupied are very attractive targets for thieves. The “key” is to make sure you have security arrangements in place and in full working order before you leave. Also, to try and make your home looks occupied as usual. You can read our in depth advice on how to secure your property here
Have a wonderful Christmas, whatever you’re up to!
If you have any questions for Omni Davis, or you’d like to chat through home insurance cover options, get in touch:
Tel: 01403 785775 or 01243 864018
Email: info@omnidavis.co.uk
