Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Keep safe this Christmas

by Ethos public relations

Hyndburn Homes Repairs, the biggest direct works company in the area is reminding local residents to keep safe this Christmas.

Jonathan Kenyon from the company said: "Christmas is a great time for family and friends to get together - it's also a very busy time as people make their festive preparations and sometimes safety can be overlooked. Check the entrance to your home to make sure there is no potential for visitors to slip or fall. Given the cold spell we are currently going through, ice can cause problems, especially for older people, so take a few minutes to make sure your driveway, pathway or steps are not going to cause an accident."

Jonathan said that fire safety is particularly important at this time of year when many homes are lit with fairy lights and candles and it's not surprising that statistics show a rise in the number of accidental fires and related injuries.

"Check lights conform to the British standard," he said. "Providing you buy them from a reputable retailer you should be safe. It is important to turn off Christmas tree lights when you leave the house and when you go to bed.

"Candles should never be left unattended even for a moment and make sure that they are not close to anything flammable as a slight draft from a door opening could easily cause a fire.

"Take five minute to check the batteries in your smoke alarms are working. Push to the button by hand or with the top of a broom and never be tempted to take out the batteries from your smoke alarm and use them for something else."

Jonathan also wants to remind residents about the dangers of leaving valuables on view. "If gifts and presents can be seen through your windows move them somewhere else so you are not tempting thieves.

"If you've bought expensive electrical equipment this year either as a gift or just as a treat for yourself, don't leave the packaging outside the house," said Jonathan. "Keep it in the house until you can either dispose of it yourself or the refuse collectors come for your rubbish. It's just an advert for thieves and burglars.

"Just taking a few minutes to check inside and outside your home for potential hazards should ensure you have a fabulous Christmas and New Year. Happy Christmas."

Posted at 21^st December 2009