Holiday Health And Safety Tips

During the festive season, we tend to get too  excited and forget to be safe, but it's vital that you are cautious of any danger

- Boitumelo Matshaba

WHEN everyone is in holiday mode, it’s easy to forget about health and safety precautions. Here are some health and safety tips to follow this festive season.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN

Dr Lungile Mhlongo, who is based in Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal, says if you have children, you should pack plenty of supplies when travelling this festive season.

“You need to pack thermometers, disinfectant for sterilising the thermometer and other essentials. They are always running around and are active, they could fall and cut themselves,” she says.

Dr Lungile recommends packing bandages, cotton wool, disinfectant, gloves and sharp scissors to cut the bandage.

“You should never forget to carry a list of emergency contact numbers,” she says.

ESSENTIALS FOR THE ROAD

When travelling anywhere these holidays, you need to carry basic medication such as pain killers, heartburn medication, insect repellent and sun screen among other things. Do not forget toilet paper, hand sanitiser, wet wipes and hand cream, especially for toilet breaks at a filling station where you are not guaranteed to find toilet paper, clean toilet seats or even running water.

These also come in handy when you are eating on the road. You also need water when you are going to be on the road.

BURNS

Although men are generally the braai masters, be careful not to burn yourself at the braai area or the stove.

Should you burn yourself, Dr Lungile says depending how and where you burn yourself, remove clothing affected by fire immediately, this includes belts and jewellery.