AXA have a long and important history working with the emergency services. Whether it’s working together when our customers need us during a claim; or through community activities and events like the Roadsafe Roadshows, in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
We’re delighted to have worked with our emergency services teams on this guide so we could share their top tips to help you stay safe on the roads and at home during the Christmas period.
Avoiding accidents in the home at Christmas
1. Christmas lights and decorations
Ensure Christmas lights are in good condition with no frayed wires or loose connections. Avoid overloading power outlets or extension cords with lights and decorations. Ladder mishaps are common, so take care while decorating high areas like roofs or trees.
2. Don’t let your tree dry out
Real Christmas trees can dry out and become highly flammable, especially when placed near heat sources. Keep your tree well-watered and away from heat, and use fire-resistant or flame-retardant decorations. Always make sure you unplug the Christmas tree lights before watering your tree.
3. Test your smoke alarms
Make sure your smoke alarms are working and take time to do routine fire safety checks to reduce the risks of fires starting.
4. Take care with your gifts
E-bikes and e-scooters make exciting presents, but are powered by lithium-ion batteries which can catch fire quickly and with little warning. Stay safe by charging them while you are awake and at home. Keep gifts like hair straighteners away from children, and always unplug them when not in use, as they can cause burns if left unattended.
5. Check on the elderly
Call around to your elderly neighbours, check for trip hazards from Christmas lights and decorations, and say hello at what can be a lonely time of year.
Stay safe on the roads during the Christmas period
1. Drive safely
Always wear a seatbelt, wherever you’re sitting in the vehicle. Stay alert and aware of other drivers’ actions, and anticipate potential hazards. Driving while tired can lead to an accident, especially if you’re travelling long distances to see family or friends. Take a break and resume your journey once feeling refreshed.
2. Take precautions in bad weather
Stay visible by turning on headlights during low visibility, even during the day. Black ice is difficult to spot but commonly forms on bridges, shaded areas and intersections. Use low gears when driving on icy or slippery surfaces – see our tips for driving on icy roads.
3. Be prepared
Always carry an emergency kit in your car with essentials like a flashlight, blanket, water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a phone charger. Should you get stranded in bad weather, these essentials could keep you going until the emergency services can get to you.
4. Car maintenance
Regularly maintain your vehicle to ensure it is roadworthy, with properly functioning brakes, lights, and tires.
5. Don’t drive under the influence
Don’t drink and drive. Check with your doctor if it is safe to drive with your prescription medication, as certain drugs can impair your concentration.
Get in touch with us if you have an emergency or an accident
Stay safe over Christmas with AXA. If you have an emergency or are involved in an accident, and need to make a claim, you can easily report a claim online. Or if you’d prefer to call our claims team, you can reach us on 0818 7 365 24.
