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Don't be a Dave this Christmas

Poor Dave – he’s made all the mistakes you can possibly make around Christmas. 

Find out how to stay safe and well this Christmas with our top tips below.

1) Counterfeit alcohol could contain anti-freeze....

Or cleaning fluid, nail polish remover or screen wash....

When you buy fake alcohol you don’t know what you’re buying and drinking. Fake alcohol chemicals can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness, kidney or liver problems, coma and even permanent blindness. 

Plus you’re helping the producers break the law and avoid paying much needed public taxes. 

Be Drinkaware and look out for the latest food alerts.

2) Don’t give scammers the time of day

Scammers will try every trick in the book to get access to your money.

From claiming your computer is running slowly and they’ve called to fix it, to claims your bank, eBay or Amazon account has been compromised and you need to log in, to targeting older people with overpriced goods – we’ve seen them all.

Banks, building societies and major companies never contact you by phone or email asking for your personal details. If you get any such request don’t give any information. Don’t use any phone number you’ve been given – check directly with the bank or company.

Check out the latest scams and how to stay safe at National Scams Hub or Action Fraud.

3) Don’t risk a fire at Christmas 

  • Check the fuses are right for any lights you’re putting up and replace any blown bulbs.
  • Don’t leave fairy lights on or candles burning when you go out or go to sleep.
  • Don’t overload sockets. 
  • Be careful with paper decorations – make sure they’re not near bulbs, candles or fires. Stay safe.

4) Don’t upset the neighbours

Please be considerate if you’re celebrating this Christmas and don’t cause a noise problem.

5) Don’t get food poisoning   

Keep all raw food, particularly meat, well away from ready-to-eat foods and use separate chopping boards to avoid spreading bacteria.

Wash your hands thoroughly before handling food. Wash vegetables thoroughly but don’t wash your turkey or chicken – it can spread bacteria.  

Watch a video on food poisoning

Make sure meat is properly defrosted and thoroughly cooked and be careful with leftovers and buffets. Use your freezer to avoid waste and stay healthy.

6) Don’t get a vet bill

  • Christmas can be tough for pets
  • Don’t leave chocolates lying around – chocolate is toxic to dogs.
  • Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, amaryllis, ferns and pine sap are poisonous to cats and dogs.
  • Don’t give your pet chicken or turkey bones – they can splinter in their throat.
  • Make a safe space for your pet where they can hide away from noisy visitors.

7) Plan getting home

If you’re out and about over the festive season, plan how to get home.

Check public transport or pre-book a private hire. Remember – only hackney carriages can pick up on the street. If you jump into a private hire car on the street you’re not insured and it’s just like getting into a stranger’s car. 

8) Don’t mix your drinks

The best way to avoid a hangover is not to drink. If you decide to drink:

  • limit how much you drink on any single occasion
  • drink more slowly
  • drink with food
  • alternate with water or non-alcoholic drinks

9) Don’t hurt your children

Toy safety standards are there to protect your children. Counterfeit toys can contain dangerous chemicals, small parts that can choke children or have sharp edges that can harm.

Keep your children safe by only buying from reputable shops, beware of products that are too cheap and look at the packaging for the distributor’s details and a CE mark.

10) Check food ratings 

If you’re eating out, always check the restaurant has a good rating; it will show you how seriously they take food hygiene. Poor food hygiene can cause serious illness.

Watch a video on food ratings

Businesses can get from zero (poor) to five stars (very good).

11) Don’t drink and drive

What can we say? It’s just not worth it.

240 people died in 2014 due to drink driving. Imagine living with those consequences.

You can also be jailed, heavily fined and named and shamed in the media. Having a drink driving conviction can cost you your job as well as causing difficulties with insurance and even travel.

12) Don’t let thieves spoil your Christmas

Burglaries and thefts from cars tend to go up around Christmas. Follow these simple tips to protect your home and never leave anything, particularly valuables on show in your car.

Merry, safe Christmas!

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