In the run up to Christmas, the Horsham District Community Safety Partnership is promoting its ‘twelve days of Christmas’ message to local residents.
Timely tips have been put together to make sure that Christmas goes as safely as possible:
1. Drink driving has been the cause of over 50% of fatal collisions in Sussex during the festive season in the last three years. Sussex Police is conducting regular roadside checks, don’t risk it and visit www.sussexsaferroads.gov.uk for more on road safety
2. Don’t put on a brave face this Christmas. Domestic abuse is unacceptable all year round. Call the National Domestic Violence helpline on 0808 2000 247
3. Take time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas - make sure they’re safe and check that they have a working smoke alarm. If not, call (free phone) 0800 328 6487 and ask for a free ‘home fire safety check’
4. Don’t make homes attractive to burglars. Try to make it look occupied at all times, keep doors and windows locked and ensure all presents and valuables are not visible through windows and doors
5. Christmas can be a time of family conflict. Local charity, West Sussex Mediation Service, provides a free, year round, confidential mediation service. Call 01403 258900 or visit www.wsms.org.uk
6. Never place candles near a Christmas tree or furnishings. Don’t leave presents under the tree in view of potential burglars
7. If cars are left unattended, don’t leave bags of shopping or other valuables on display. It is safest to keep them close
8. However tempting it may be to walk back from parties at night, try to avoid walking alone. Make personal safety a priority and partygoers should either use a registered taxi or ask somebody to accompany them home
9. Don’t overload electrical sockets. Take special care with Christmas lights - always switch them off and unplug them before going to bed
10. Drink responsibly. Don’t leave drinks unattended and know when enough is enough! Beware date rape and drugs being secretly added to drinks
11. Buy with confidence this Christmas. Know what to buy by using a business approved by Trading Standards. For more information visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or phone 01243 642124
12. Check the battery in a smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust
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