Check the halls: home accident prevention this Christmas

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is asking parents and carers to be aware of the extra safety risks for children and young people across the festive season and to take steps to help ensure everyone can enjoy the excitement, decorations, and celebrations safely.

Emily Roberts, Director of Nursing at the PHA, said: “No one wants any child to be placed in danger or at risk, but the reality is accidents do happen. Children under five are particularly vulnerable, with five common hazards – choking, suffocation and strangulation; falls; poisoning; burns and scalds; and drowning – accounting for 90% of hospital emergency admissions in this age group.

“However, many accidents can be prevented with a few simple precautions. The festive period can present new hazards in places you might not expect, whether it’s a button battery in a toy, a hot pan on the stove while cooking Christmas dinner, or a candle left burning – dangers can escalate in seconds, but can often be prevented by planning ahead.”

On average, two people in Northern Ireland die each week due to accidents at home. Alongside these deaths, around 17,000 people are admitted to hospital following accidents in a domestic setting – many of them young children.

Emily continued: “It’s impossible to watch over children every moment of the day and in a busy home full of people, it’s easy for them to slip out of sight. This isn’t about blame – prevention is key. Taking a little time to make things safer can help everyone relax and enjoy the celebrations.

“Christmas can often mean travelling, visiting friends and family or staying overnight in a different place. While your own home might be child-proofed, others may not be. Before settling in, check sleeping arrangements, living areas, play zones and bathrooms for hazards like blind cords, cleaning products, or unsecured furniture. If possible, consider bringing portable safety items like stair gates to help keep little ones safe wherever you celebrate.”

Christmas safety reminders:

Choking, suffocation and strangulation hazards

Ensure food is cut into small pieces and keep small toys and decorations out of reach of young children and ensure toys are age appropriate – any item smaller than a 50p piece can cause a child to choke.
Check that battery compartments on festive gadgets and decorations are secure.
Button batteries are common in many children’s toys and can be deadly if swallowed – store spares safely and dispose of used ones immediately.
Keep plastic wrapping, packaging materials, and bags out of reach of children. These can pose a serious suffocation risk.
Examine every blind, if it has a looped control cord, fit a safety device and keep out of reach from children.

Burns and scalds

Preparing Christmas dinner can be hectic – keep children out of the kitchen when hot pans and boiling water are in use.
Be mindful of hair straighteners or curling tongs left on while getting ready for parties – they can cause serious burns.
Be aware of hot drinks.
Candles add a festive glow, but place them out of children’s reach

Poisoning

With more social gatherings, make sure alcohol and any medications are kept well out of reach. Even small amounts can be harmful to children.
Store cleaning products and medicines in a locked or high cupboard.

Trips and falls

The festive season often brings extra items into the home – toys, decorations, and ornaments can all become tripping hazards. Keep walkways clear and ensure heavy decorations or furniture are secure to prevent accidents.
Colder weather can make paths and driveways slippery, increasing the risk of falls – take extra care outside.
If children are keen to try out new bikes, scooters, or ride-on toys, make sure the area is safe and clear of ice. Encourage helmets and protective gear for extra safety.

Fire safety

Keep candles away from tree’s, decorations and anything flammable. Ensure candles are not left burning at bedtime or when leaving the home.
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors before the holidays.
Don’t overload sockets and always turn Christmas lights off before going to bed or if you are leaving the house. Remember one plug per socket.

For more information on how to keep your children safe in the home visit www.pha.site/childs-safety-home