Avoiding accidents at Christmas

When you have kids, Christmas can be the most exciting time of the year. Seeing their joy at meeting Santa Claus at the mall and what awaits them on the big day are some of the most memorable experiences parents can have.

But with all the excitement comes the risk of personal injuries. So how can you avoid accidents and keep everyone safe at this time of year?

Keep an eye on visitors

Christmas is a time for visits by friends and family. And although it’s generally wonderful to see loved ones, more people in your house can mean more risks – especially when they’re not familiar with your home.

It’s best to keep any visiting kids inside, where you can keep an eye on them. But make sure they don’t get too close to anything that can pose a threat – think about the fire, any cutlery lying around or glasses of champagne that have just been set down. Ask adults to dispose of any alcohol they don’t want and to put their knives in the sink or dishwasher when they’re done.

Choose the right gifts

When buying toys for Christmas, it’s easy to be tempted by the cheapest versions available. But these can often come with dangers. Buying from online marketplaces can mean that you’re not getting the original version of something, so it might not have been through the same safety checks.

This could mean it has small parts – a major choking hazard depending on your child’s age. To avoid this, try to buy from the retailer directly. This should eliminate the risk of a knock-off purchase and the risks they can pose.

Stay alert on the road

Christmas means parties and plenty of alcohol. It also means inclement weather. Put the two together and the roads become more dangerous than they are at other times of the year. And it’s not just yourself you need to worry about. Other drivers may not be as careful as you, so being cautious is a good idea at this time of year.

To stay as safe as possible on the roads, stick to soda when you’re designated driver – or leave your car where it is and get a taxi home if you do indulge. It’s also important to stay alert when you’re behind the wheel. Bad weather can mean the risk of accidents rises, so take it slow and pay attention to what’s happening around you.

Keep walkways clear

Winter can also present risks when you’re using your own feet as transportation. Rain, snow and ice can all mean you’re at risk of ending up on your back when you’re out and about. It’s a good idea to keep walkways around your house clear, so keep a snow shovel within easy access. This is going to be important when having people over for any Christmas parties you throw.

Although Christmas – and winter in general – can present specific hazards, if you’re careful, you’ll be able to avoid accidents and the injuries they can cause.