Personal & Home Safety Tips To Keep You & Your Family Safe This Christmas*

Think ahead and take extra care

Whilst out and about in East Kent recently, we came across one local council's Community Safety Partnership initiative, with Community Support Officers offering help and advice for greater personal and home safety over Christmas.

Here are some of the hints and tips for planning ahead over the season of Christmas festivities and New Year parties.

Home Safety Over The Christmas Holidays

• Don't overload electrical sockets or extension leads with your Christmas lights.
• Switch off and unplug Christmas lights when they are not in use.​
• Don't broadcast your holiday plans or gifts on social media.
• Don't leave boxes for gifts on display next to your bin.
• Don't click on any festive links or attachments in your inbox unless you know they are safe.
• Don't leave candles unattended or next to flammable materials such as curtains.

Car Safety During Christmas & New Year​

• If you have gifts and presents in the car during  a shopping trip, make sure they are out of view, that the car is locked and that you keep the receipts with you.​
• Remember to take ice scrapers, de-icer, a warning triangle, high vis vest, blanket and shovel in the car - be winter weather ready!
• Make sure your roadside assistance cover is up to date.
• Don't overload the car with passengers, gifts and luggage.  Make sure your rear view mirror visibility is unimpaired.
• Book in for a Winter Health Check for peace of mind during winter driving.

Personal Safety Whilst Out Partying

• Keep a close watch on your valuables - wallet, purse, phone, jewellery, keys - and don't keep them all in one place. Don't take them out unless you really need them.
• Keep some emergency money separate from your purse or wallet.
• If you are going out, plan your journey home in advance and travel home with other friends if you can.
• Never leave your drink unattended.
• Make sure you have something to eat before a night out drinking and drink water regularly too.
• Save the number of a licensed taxi firm in your mobile phone. Never get into an unlicensed taxi. Best to book a taxi from home in advance.
• Tell a friend or relative where you are going and keep their phone number handy in case of emergency.
• Agree a sober friend or relative to pick you up after the party's over, or a designated driver who sticks to soft drinks only.

And finally, make sure young children know what to do if they lose you in a crowded shopping area this Christmas. For older children, agree a meeting point in case you get separated.

We hope these hints help you enjoy a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. For our Christmas and New Year opening hours, please click here.

Handy numbers

999 is for a life-threatening or medical emergency or when a crime is taking place. (Fire, Police, Ambulance, Coastguard.)

101 is a non-emergency number for Police

111 is a non-emergency NHS number

Remember to have your Roadside Assistance provider's number with you in your purse or wallet and in the glove box of your vehicle, plus a copy of your insurance document.

*Since writing this, the Government has introduced tighter restrictions on social gatherings in each of the countries of the British Isles. Please check the local Covid-19 regulations before considering any social gatherings this Christmas and New Year. We wish you a safe and happy festive break.