RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
December 14, 1998
DYING FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS?
An old-fashioned Christmas could be the death of you, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned today. Attempts to recreate the cosy atmosphere of Victorian Christmas card scenes are fraught with danger and can lead to disaster.
Cards on the mantelpiece, candles on trees, open fires, fancy wrapping on presents - and even a glass of sherry on the hearth for Santa - can all turn celebrations sour.
RoSPA expects about 80,000 people will go to hospital as a result of accidents in the home over the Christmas break - with many of the most serious cases involving fire.
"Candles pose a major threat at this time of year and have already been responsible for a serious house fire in Birmingham. About 1,000 people go to hospital annually after candle accidents," RoSPA Product Safety Adviser, David Jenkins, said.
"They should never be left unattended or near anything that can catch fire, like curtains or decorations. Definitely do not put them on Christmas trees - as even if you don’t intend to light them, a child might be tempted to."
Even candles for cakes need checking as some burn erratically and can injure anyone leaning over them or set fire to cake trimmings.
Decorations and cards should never be placed above the fire or near heat sources like light fittings. Fires must be guarded - particularly if there are children and old people around.
Toddlers have choked on discarded wrapping paper and small parts from toys. Burst balloons also pose a choking hazard for young children.
A glass of sherry left out for Santa, or any alcohol left around after parties, can easily be drunk by children who get up early to play with their toys when adults aren’t around.
"We know people like to recreate the atmosphere of the old-fashioned Christmas, but they forget that no accident statistics were kept then. We have no idea of the number of people who were being injured or killed, particularly in house fires," David Jenkins said. "Celebrations can be quite safe with a little forethought."
