A poorly handled champagne cork poses a real danger to the eyes. An impact can cause serious damage to the retina. The solution? Tilt the bottle at 45° and keep the cork in your hand when opening.
The risk of choking increases during festive meals. Seafoods, especially scallops and oysters, require careful chewing. For children, supervision is essential when it comes to small parts in new toys.
Household accidents in the kitchen: many burns or cuts when opening oysters occur with the preparation of traditional dishes. Hot pans to be carried and oil splashes require increased vigilance. A thick apron and oven mitts in good condition remain your best allies.
Faulty electric Christmas lights represent a major risk: a short circuit can start a fire in less than a minute. Only choose lights that meet EU standards and opt for battery-powered LED models that are certified to European standards.
Plugging too many lights into a single power strip increases the risk of overheating. Spread your light decorations across different outlets and always turn them off when you leave your home or go to bed.
For outdoor use, use string lights that are specially designed to withstand the elements. Check for the IP44 marking or symbols indicating suitable waterproofing.
Glass decorations can pose a sometimes overlooked hazard, especially in homes with children or pets: their shards can cause serious injuries to feet and hands. Opt for shatterproof decorations.
Finally, be careful with candles:
- Choose safety candles with short wicks.
- Keep them out of reach of children and animals.
- Install them on stable and non-flammable supports.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
You can also opt for flameless LED candles.
A dry fir tree is highly flammable and can burn quickly. To ensure better preservation:
- Store it outside before installing it.
- Place it in a container filled with water to maintain its humidity.
- Maintain a minimum distance of two metres from any heat source such as radiators, fireplaces or electronic devices.
For those who prefer artificial trees, the M1 fire standard guarantees optimum resistance to flames. Avoid spraying artificial snow on the branches: this highly flammable product increases the risk of fire.
Always unplug the lights before leaving your home or going to sleep.
Opening oysters requires special care: use a special protective glove and a suitable knife to avoid hand injuries. Burns also occur frequently. Always place the handles of the pans towards the inside of the hob.
Handling champagne also requires vigilance. The cork can reach a speed of 40 km/h: hold it firmly while unscrewing it slowly, without ever pointing it at another person.
Sharp utensils increase risks during intensive meal preparation. Always use a stable cutting board and store knives out of reach of children after each use.
Be careful when unwrapping Christmas gifts: quickly remove ribbons and wrappings that pose strangulation hazards.
Beware of “button” batteries in electronic toys, which are easily swallowed by small children. A simple reflex is to check the strength of the battery compartment before purchasing.
The recommended age ranges on packaging are not just marketing suggestions. A toy intended for ages 3 and up may contain tiny parts that are dangerous for a baby.
When faced with a household accident, speed of action makes the difference. Call 112 in case of emergency (accident, fire, etc.).
In case of burns, immediately run the affected area under cold water for 15 minutes. For a cut, disinfect the wound and apply a pressure bandage.
A complete first aid kit remains essential during the holidays. Keep it in an easily accessible place and check its contents regularly: bandages, disinfectant, sterile compresses and bandages.
It all depends on the nature of the damage. Your home insurance does not automatically cover all damage that occurs during the holidays, such as broken decorations or toys. Liability insurance will only apply if you cause damage to others.
Don't forget to keep proof of damage to make your procedures easier.
Household accidents, such as fires, can be avoided with simple actions and increased vigilance.
- Explain to children the dangers of fire and do not leave any flammable objects within their reach.
- Invest in a household fire extinguisher and make sure your smoke detectors are working properly.
- Avoid electrical overloads by distributing your connections across several outlets.
- Remember to clear main passageways of any obstacles to facilitate evacuation in the event of an emergency.
- Choose battery-powered LED Christmas decorations instead of traditional wired models. Place them high up, out of reach of young children.
By following these recommendations, you guarantee your family and loved ones a hassle-free Christmas. Anticipating the risks allows you to fully enjoy the end-of-year celebrations with complete peace of mind. Take care of yourself and have an unforgettable time!