56 Press release - Keep safe this christmas

The Southern Area Accident Prevention Liaison Group (SAAPLG) is calling on everyone to be wary of the particular risks to safety that exist over the festive season.

Dr Vinod Tohani, Public Health Agency and Chair of SAAPLG says: “Christmas is of course a great time when the family gather and we all relax and have some fun. But the festivities can also bring some added safety hazards. It is important that people are aware of the safety measures to be taken at this time of year to ensure that they do indeed have a happy Christmas.”

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) District Commander, Victor Spence and a member of SAAPLG explains:

“NIFRS is appealing to everyone to be fire aware during the Christmas period and to test their smoke alarm. Christmas is a time when extra fire hazards are introduced into the home such as portable heaters and open fires that may not have been lit for some time, fairy lights and candles. It is important to switch off all lights, extinguish or put fireguards around open fires and close all doors before leaving the house or going to bed. Don’t overload electrical sockets; switch off and unplug those plugs which are not designed to be left on.”

Nina Daly, from the Promoting Wellbeing Team, Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) stated: “Many people have a habit of switching on large electrical appliances e.g. dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers before going to bed or before leaving the house. Leaving electrical appliances to run during the night or when out, is not advised.

“Use these appliances only when you are up and about at home to ensure that you are able to respond quickly if a fire does break out.”

Highlighting some safety tips regarding toys and gifts Ita McErlean, Home Safety Manager with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) Northern Ireland said: “Toys are involved in over 40,000 accidents each year. Parents are advised to give careful consideration before purchasing toys. Toys carrying the lion mark are a good indication of safety and quality and should not be confused with the CE mark which is an enforcement mark (not a sign of safety and quality).

“You should also look out for the age warning mark and only buy toys that are age-appropriate to the child. Make sure older children’s toys which may have small loose parts and other hazards are not handled by younger children, especially children aged 0-3 years,” she said.

Ita continued: “Take care to dispose of wrapping and packaging and watch out for loose parts or sharp edges. Typical Christmas Day accidents, which have sent people to hospital, include:

• People cutting themselves with knives they are using to open presents too quickly;

• Children falling off rocking horses or smashing new bikes into walls;

• Tripping over toys and trailing cables in the rush to try out new computers and other appliances.

If you are buying bicycles, trampolines, roller skates or skateboards, buy the necessary safety accessories like helmets, reflective bands, elbow and kneepads and safety nets. Check toys regularly for wear, repair or dispose of them where necessary, and finally, follow the instructions and warnings provided with toys.”

For more information on child safety, log onto the Child Accident Prevention Trust website www.capt.org.uk/parents or contact Nina Daly on (028) 3834 4973 to obtain a leaflet on toy safety.

Dr Tohani continued: “If you can’t think of a suitable gift for a child, friend or loved one this Christmas, consider buying them something practical such as a cycling helmet, ten year smoke alarm, a carbon monoxide detector or a new electric blanket or simply a share of your time. Remember too, that many people, including the elderly get lonely and depressed at this time of year – it a simple thing to do, but you could literally be giving someone the gift of life just by paying them a visit,” he said.

The SAAPLG on behalf of the Public Health Agency wishes everyone a happy, peaceful and safe Christmas and New Year.

Urging everyone to keep safe this Christmas is pictured (l-r) Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service District Commander, Victor Spence, Dr Vinod Tohani, Chair of the Southern Area Accident Prevention Liaison Group and PSNI Road Policing Education Officer, Constable Bill Holden.

When buying electrical goods look for the BEAB Approved label. This is the mark of the British Electrotechnical Approvals Board. It means the appliance you choose has been type tested and approved for safety by an independent approval body. Don't be tempted to buy appliances secondhand; they may not be safe.

www.don'tgivefireahome.com (excellent – easy to use – including a risk scanner, to find and fix fire risks in your home and an online calculator to check if you are overloading your sockets)

www.esc.org.uk/ (Electrical Safety Council – free electrical safety literature for the home and outdoors)

www.switchedonkids.org.uk/ (Electrical Safety Council's website for children to learn about using electricity safely)

§ The Southern Area Accident Prevention Liaison Group (SAAPLG) was set up to help prevent injuries in the home and workplace in the Southern area of Northern Ireland. Agencies involved in SAAPLG are:

- Public Health Agency

- Southern Health and Social Care Trust

- NI Fire and Rescue Service

- Police Service of Northern Ireland - Crime Prevention Unit and Community Safety and Traffic Control Unit

- Southern Group Environmental Health Committee

- Department of the Environment

- Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)

- Sure Start South Armagh

- Southern Investing for Health Partnership

- Southern Education and Library Board

Improving Your Health and Wellbeing