On the first day of Christmas Herts Accident Prevention Group sent to me: -

A heavy hangover!

Watch how much you drink – alcohol and driving don’t mix. Leave your keys behind and don’t forget you could be over the limit the next day.

On the second day of Christmas Herts Accident Prevention Group sent to me: -

Two cupboard catches

Remember that little children don't know about keeping safe. Lock away all dangerous items such as household chemicals, medicines and sharp objects such as knives.

On the third day of Christmas Herts Accident Prevention Group sent to me: -

Three toy trains

Small parts in toys suitable for older children can choke younger children. Follow the age recommendations and make sure they are put away when not in use.

On the fourth day of Christmas Herts Accident Prevention Group sent to me: -

Four eager engineers

Make sure you have your heating appliances regularly serviced by a qualified engineer. Every year about 50 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning.

On the fifth day of Christmas Herts Accident Prevention Group sent to me: -

Five fireguards

Remember to use a fireguard on open fires and wall heaters. Children need protecting from burns and should be kept away from all hot objects including radiators.

On the sixth day of Christmas Herts Accident Prevention Group sent to me: -

Six Step Ladders

Be careful when putting up Christmas decorations. Serious accidents can happen when standing on tables and chairs to put them up.

On the seventh day of Christmas Herts Accident Prevention Group sent to me: -

Seven secure seatbelts

Aways wear a seatbelt. No matter how short the journey, wearing a seatbelt can stop you being injured or even killed. Approximately 18 people in Hertfordshire die each year as a result of not wearing a seatbelt.

On the eighth day of Christmas Herts Accident Prevention Group sent to me: -

Eight excited children

Children can become over excited with all the Christmas festivities. Take extra care in the kitchen especially when handling hot foods and hot liquids.

On the ninth day of Christmas Herts Accident Prevention Group sent to me: -

Nine night shift workers

If you are employing students or young people to help out over the busy Christmas period, you may need to check some safety issues with an Education Welfare Office. There are regulations on the number of hours they can work and they must be protected from dangerous work and long hours.

On the tenth day of Christmas Herts Accident Prevention Group sent to me: -

Ten twinkling tree lights

Do not buy cheap Christmas tree lights which don’t carry the official CE mark. Read all the warnings on the box and do not use outside unless it says they are suitable.

On the eleventh day of Christmas Herts Accident Prevention Group sent to me: -

Eleven Christmas Candles

Never leave candles unattended, especially those with decorations at their base. Be careful where you place them around the house.

On the twelfth day of Christmas Herts Accident Prevention Group sent to me: -

Twelve slippery steps

Take extra care in icy weather. Look out for elderly relatives, friends and neighbours who are particularly vulnerable to slips and falls.