The festive season is upon us and homes around NZ are dusting off their decorations in preparation. Some of us (not mentioning any names) already have their tree up and the Christmas music is on repeat. But are you taking dangerous risks with your safety these holidays? We’ve highlighted some common activities that may be putting you and your family in danger, with some simple tips to help you stay safe.
Christmas Trees
A “real” Christmas tree is a popular choice when it comes to turning your home into a winter wonderland.. nothing quite beats that sweet smell of pine. But, did you know that a real tree can catch fire a lot quicker than an artificial one?
If you do have a real Christmas tree:
• Make sure that you keep it well watered. Real trees can absorb up to a litre of water a day and it’s important that you don’t let it dry out.
• Don’t spray hairspray on the pine needles to stop them dropping off – it’s VERY flammable!
• Keep it well away from heat sources, particularly portable heaters.
Prepare to Party
Many of us are guilty of doing it and have panicked that we have gone out and forgotten to turn our hair straighteners off. Same goes for the oven, portable heaters, etc. Don’t be in such a rush, that you forget to switch these off at the wall before you go and enjoy the festivities.
Deck the Halls
Christmas lights brighten up homes across New Zealand but can be an electrical safety risk. One in twelve people confess to leaving their Christmas lights on overnight, potentially endangering their households as lights can overheat and create a fire hazard. Give the lights a break – switch them off when you’re not there to enjoy them. Don’t overload sockets and try to avoid the use of extension leads or adaptors – it’s easy to trip if you’re a bit too merry!
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