Christmas is traditionally a time for celebration and feasting. But on Christmas Day, or afternoon, to be precise, the emergency services are on high alert for the phones to start ringing after more than chestnuts have got roasted on an open fire, and the very house is aglow, but not with festive spirit.
Accidents are mostly likely in the kitchen, with over-zealous and pickled chefs roasting sprouts, barbecuing turkeys and incinerating puddings. After that, faulty fairy lights are next in line for a sparkle which might go down with a bang, but with the modern technology of lighting and some lights battery illuminated, this becomes less likely. Candles are another thing, they should never be left unattended … and its worth noting that fragranced candles can be particularly volatile. Make sure that your smoke alarm is in full working order and the batteries haven’t been pinched for a new toy.
Crackers and party poppers do contain a tiny amount of gunpowder, just enough to remind you of a crackling fire apparently, but most of them are harmless. Kids … don’t aim that party popper at auntie Barb’s face, that’s just not nice. And watch the little gifts in crackers, you don’t want your three-year old turning your best curtains into a snowflake cutting class with those tiny scissors or attempting to re-wire the house with that miniature tool-kit.
Then there’s the family bonding. Ahh yes, trapped by the pearls of wisdom whilst drying up, the mountains of plates, the greasy spoons, the umpteen half empty glasses of wine when there are only four adults in the house, the rubbish bags of crumpled wrapping paper to go through to find that elusive lost earring. The broken toys to fix, the hugely complicated set of instructions to ponder with a furrowed brow. The 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles, the Monopoly game that lasts for days, the laughter, the hugs, the surprises, the doggies dressing up kit, the toddler fairy (everyone, even grandpa says ‘awww’). Yes, its Christmas, a time for feasting, celebration, saying ‘hi’ to your neighbour, and saying ‘I love you’ to your family and friends, giving to charity and singing a few carols, reflecting on absent loved ones, treasuring memories, and making plans. Best wishes for a Happy Christmas from all of us at Bath & West Fire & Safety. See you in the New Year – 2019!
The office will be closed from Friday 21st December to Monday 7th January 2019. For out of hours please contact 01225 868199.