Taking preventive measures is vital to having fun with this Christmas season

These are some of the preventive measures you can take to reduce the risk of accidents and burns around the home associated with using the Christmas tree, a range of lights, extensions, and the use of fireworks.

Grow your business, Not your inbox

Stay up to date and subscribe to our daily newsletter now!

December 20, 2020 5 min read

This article was translated from our Spanish edition using AI technologies. Errors can occur due to this process.

In Mexico, 55.6% of fires occur at home, according to the Mexican Association of Automatic Sprinklers (AMRACI). Regarding minors, the same institution shows that while children under six make up only 7% of the population in Mexico, they account for 17% of all fire-related deaths and 35% of all fire-related injuries. Burns.

For its part, the Ministry of Health mentions that the risk of burns in children during the holiday season can increase by up to 35% due to the use of Christmas lights, fireworks and rockets. The Christmas tree also poses a risk as if shorted by the lights, regardless of whether it is natural or artificial, it can burn in seconds and cause a serious accident in homes.

In light of this scenario, the BSP Seguros aims to promote preventive measures that will help reduce the risk of accidents and burns in the home related to the use of the Christmas tree, a range of lights, extensions and the use of fireworks. The main preventive measures include:

When using Christmas items

  • If you choose to have a natural Christmas tree, make sure it is as cool as possible, as dry trees can catch fire faster.
  • If you are looking to purchase a synthetic tree, it is advisable to purchase it from reputable establishments.
  • Make sure the lights and extensions are in good condition and not worn, tangled, or exposed.
  • Avoid candles near the Christmas tree.
  • If the Christmas tree is natural and a water supply is used, keep cords and extensions away from it.
  • Turn off all lights in both the tree and the rest of the house before sleeping or leaving the house.

Photo: Envato

General measures at home:

  • Check the electrical systems to make sure they are in good condition. If they don’t, ask an expert to review them and do not use them until they have been properly maintained.
  • Keep children away from the kitchen to reduce the risk of burns from hot things.
  • Keep the house ventilated and make sure the gas taps are closed.
  • Avoid the use of missiles and fireworks. In addition to pollution, they are a high risk, especially for children.
  • The GNP also emphasizes the importance of maintaining communication with the family so that everyone is aware of the risks and preventive measures they should take, and that children are constantly vigilant and cautious.

In order to provide children with valuable information in a simple and valuable way about preventive measures that can reduce the risk of accidents and promote a culture of self-sufficiency, the BSP is strengthening its animated series Luli y Gabo, the first series for children in which the topic of accident prevention is clear and entertaining so they can learn and enjoy these characters’ adventures.

Luli and Gabo have 13 chapters in which various topics about accidents inside and outside the home are discussed more frequently, such as falls, cuts, suffocation, poisoning and burns.

For the Christmas season, Luli and Gabo have two special chapters to promote prevention measures and reduce risks this season: “Santa’s Helper” and “Christmas Carol”. In both chapters they promote:

  • Make sure children are always with an adult to put up the Christmas decorations
  • Teach them not to connect fairy lights or use electrical contacts
  • Be careful with the balls as they can cause cuts if they break
  • Do not use rockets or candles because of the risk of burns
  • Avoid getting near hot liquids like punch or going into the kitchen while you are preparing food.

All of the Luli and Gabo chapters are available on luliygabo.com, where the Luli and Gabo Accident Prevention Guide is also available for download.

Comments are closed.