Heading home for Christmas?

Christmas is around the corner, and it’s all about twinkling lights, cosy gatherings, and making joyful memories. But amidst the fun, it’s important to stay safe so you can truly enjoy the season. Here’s a simple guide to help you celebrate safely and keep the Christmas cheer alive.

Safe Decorating

• Check your lights for broken bulbs or frayed wires before putting them up.

• If you have a real Christmas tree, water it regularly to keep it from drying out (and becoming a fire risk).

• Use LED candles instead of real ones, they’re just as cosy but much safer.

• Always switch off lights and decorations before you go to bed or leave the house.

Travel Smart

• If you’re traveling, plan ahead: check the weather, drive carefully, and give yourself extra time.

• Don’t drink and drive, arrange for a ride or a designated driver if you’re going to a party.

• If you’re leaving home, lock up, set alarms, and maybe ask a neighbour to keep an eye on things.

Online Shopping Safety

• Shop from trusted websites and use secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal.

• Watch out for fake “too-good-to-be-true” deals or suspicious emails.

• Help kids stay safe with their new gadgets by setting up parental controls.

Healthy Gatherings

• Wash your hands often, especially when preparing or sharing food.

• Store leftovers in the fridge quickly and make sure food is cooked thoroughly.

• Enjoy treats, but don’t overdo it, balance is key to feeling great all season.

Keep Kids and Pets Safe

• Keep small decorations, toys, and batteries out of reach, they can be choking hazards.

• Secure your Christmas tree to prevent it from tipping over.

• Keep plants like mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias away from pets, they can be toxic.

Stay Warm and Cosy

• Dress in layers and stay bundled up if you’re in colder weather.

• Make sure heaters and fireplaces are safe, and keep anything flammable far away.

Crime prevention

Around this time of the year, residential burglaries are on the rise and with the extra hours of darkness and absence from homes and vehicles due to festive events, the difficulty of break ins is reduced.  

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe this winter by staying vigilant and following a few easy crime prevention steps. 

• Lock all doors and windows including vehicles when unattended at any point 

• Draw curtains or close blinds when absent from your property 

• Don't leave any valuables in sight including from sight of a window or on the dashboard of your vehicle  

• Store keys such as house or car keys away from windows, doors or letterboxes to prevent ‘fishing’ theft methods 

If you are heading home this Christmas and leaving your accommodation unattended over the holiday period, here are a few safety reminders to ensure you leave your property secure and safe whilst you are gone:  

• Turn off and unplug any electrical equipment including TVs or electric heaters 

• Turn off all your lights  

• Turn your heating down 

• Clear any rubbish or recycling before you leave  

• Consider informing your landlord that you are leaving your accommodation over the Christmas period 

• Try not to publicise that your accommodation will be empty over the Christmas period  

If you are staying in the area over the Christmas period, campus security will be available 24/7. You can contact campus security via the Safe Zone App or email campussecurity@staffs.ac.uk  

This Christmas, a little extra care goes a long way in keeping the holidays joyful.

Stay safe, enjoy the little moments, and have a wonderful, merry Christmas with your loved ones!