RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
December 19, 2002
CHRISTMAS COOKS UP A RECIPE FOR DISASTER!
Thousands of people will be cooking up trouble for themselves if they don’t take care this Christmas, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned today.
Hot fat, boiling water and sharp knives are just a few of the things that will make the kitchen one of the most dangerous places to be during the holiday. More than 80,000 people are likely to attend hospital after a Christmas home accident.
Sarah Colles, RoSPA Home Safety Adviser, said: “The Christmas meal is probably the biggest that most families cook throughout the year and it needs careful planning to avoid injuries.
“Try to keep other people out of the kitchen, stay off the alcohol until you have finished cooking and wipe up spills as soon as they happen so that no one will slip on them.
“Every year about 26,000 people need medical treatment after a burn or scald in the kitchen. Remember that water will seriously scald a child 15 minutes after it has boiled.
“Cluttered work surfaces can add to problems as it is easy to knock hot pans off them. Be careful that children haven’t left their new toys on the kitchen floor because slips and falls are still the most common accidents.”
There will be other falls over presents or because people have had too much to drink. Keep stairs well lit and free from obstacles, especially if you have elderly guests.
When celebrations are at their height, take care because 1,000 people have accidents with Christmas trees each year, 200 hurt themselves with fairy lights and around 1,500 with decorations.
Empty any alcohol out of glasses after a party because children will polish off the remains of drinks if they get up early to play with their toys. Look out for small parts that may have fallen off decorations or presents as these can choke children.
Make sure candles have been put out before going to bed – figures for 2001 show 16 deaths and more than 900 injuries in candle fires.
“It is better to take a few simple safety measures and enjoy yourself than spend to Christmas in hospital, “ Sarah Colles said.
