With Christmas tomorrow and New Year’s approaching, it is a time filled with anticipation, celebration and joy. However, it is essential to prioritise safety to ensure that these celebrations remain happy and memorable for the right reasons. Whether at home, on the road, or attending events, here are some tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe this festive season.  

Home safety precautions
To avoid fire hazards, ensure Christmas lights and decorations are in good condition. Avoid overloading electrical outlets and switch off lights when leaving the house or heading to bed. 

Also, when using candles for decorations, make sure to place the candles on stable surfaces, away from flammable items like curtains and other materials. 

Another important precaution to take to ensure home safety is when you are cooking. Be vigilant while cooking large meals and try to keep an eye on the stove to prevent kitchen fires. Make sure to keep flammable materials away from the stove.

Fireworks safety 
Make sure to keep fireworks away from children and ensure they are supervised by responsible adults while maintaining a safe distance when lighting fireworks. Also, try to light them in open spaces, away from buildings, and vehicles and never point them at people or objects. After use, try to soak fireworks in water before disposal to prevent accidental fires.

Travel safety
If you are travelling, use taxis or arrange for a designated driver if alcohol is involved in your celebrations. Before long trips, make sure to check your vehicle’s condition like the brakes, tyres, and fluids before starting on your journey. Also, be extra careful when driving on slippery roads and follow speed limits, especially in crowded traffic to prevent fatal accidents. 

Safety of your loved ones
In order to ensure your child’s safety, keep small ornaments, sharp objects, and hazardous materials out of their reach. You can use safety gates and covers for electrical outlets to prevent electrical accidents. Also, make sure to keep lit candles away from your child’s reach. For your pet’s safety, try to secure decorations and keep fragile ornaments away from your pets to prevent choking. 

If you go to celebrations with friends and family, always look out for each other throughout the event and try to stick together as this can prevent accidents and encountering difficulties. In addition, try to be mindful of strangers to avoid theft or tampering. 

Health safety tips
While enjoying gatherings and large crowds, remember that COVID-19 is still present. Therefore, practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently and using hand sanitisers.

If you are feeling unwell, consider staying at home to protect others. In crowded places, try to wear a mask, which can add an extra layer of safety. Stay hydrated, eat healthy, and get enough rest to keep your immunity strong. In addition, if you are consuming alcohol, make sure to drink responsibly.

In this festive season, celebrate responsibly which will ensure the safety of you and your loved ones while bringing joy and making it memorable. Remember, small precautions can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones healthy during the holidays. Stay safe, stay healthy and create lasting, joyful memories with your loved ones this holiday season.