RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
December 12, 2000
LOOK OUT! THAT CHRISTMAS TREE IS DANGEROUS
Rocking around the Christmas tree could be one of the quickest ways to land in hospital as the party season gets into full swing, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned today.
Of about 80,000 accidents expected in the home over the Christmas and New Year break - around 1,000 are likely to be caused by Christmas trees.
Most will result from branches poking into people’s eyes, others will cut themselves trimming the tree to shape and some will fall off ladders while adding the decorations.
David Jenkins, RoSPA Product Safety Adviser, said: "As well as trees, our other big worry is the growing popularity of candles and the increasing number of fires resulting from their use. Definitely do not put lighted candles on Christmas trees and keep them well away from other trimmings or combustible materials like curtains.
"Naked flames should never be left unattended and candles should always be in a stable holder. Make sure you have put them out before going to bed."
Christmas tree lights are expected to lead to more than 300 accidents and RoSPA’s advice is to buy new ones which will either be transformed down to a lower voltage or double insulated. The ones that people repeatedly bring out of the loft each year could well be unsafe.
Gift wrappings, cards, glue and adhesive tape are likely to claim hundreds of victims. Look out for small parts falling off decorations or presents as these can choke children.
Thousands will have slips and falls over presents or on fat spilled on the kitchen floor. Too much alcohol is also likely to lead to falls or is sometimes drunk by children polishing off the remains of drinks from the previous night’s party. If guests are staying, keep stairs well lit and free from obstacles such as toys.
Even camp-beds put up to accommodate friends and relations lead to accidents - often when people forget they are there and stub their toe or fall over them.
"With a little more care and planning people can have an accident-free Christmas," David Jenkins said.
