Your City Council
1. CONSUMER PROTECTION
A "Light" Reminder
Christmas is a time when many of us can enjoy decorating our homes especially if we have children or young visitors calling over this holiday period. Unfortunately the way we decorate our homes with lights etc. can on occasions be increasing our risk of home accidents from trips, falls, and even house fires."
You can do the following at home to keep yourself, your family and anyone else visiting your home safe during this holiday season:
1. Ensure all Christmas tree lights have a 'CE' mark
2. Check for broken bulbs and damaged wires and if in doubt throw them out - tree lights can be purchased for as little as £3.00 in reputable shopping stores.
3 Don't risk overloading any sockets, double adapters or extension leads, as this can greatly increase the risk of fire in the home.
4. Remember to always turn off Christmas tree lights and other decorative lights at bedtime as part of your bedtime safety routine in the home.
5. Never use indoor lights outside - always read instructions
6. Never over decorate the tree
7. Ensure your tree does not cause an obstruction or a tripping hazard
8. Never put candles on a tree
9. Keep your tree out of the way of children
10. Keep your tree away from any open fires
If burning candles keep them out of reach of small children and ensure any lit candles are set on non-flammable dishes so as to reduce the risk of fire. Never leave candles unsupervised even if it's just for a short period of time.
More accidents happen in the kitchen at Christmas than at any other time - so finally take care if using any lighted fuel like gas when cooking - especially if you have drunk alcohol beforehand.
For further information contact the Council's Environmental Health Unit by telephoning 028 9250 9250 or email ehealth@lisburn.gov.uk. or get further information from www.rospa.com, www.capt.org.uk
Cycle Safely this Christmas
What should we consider when buying a new Bicycle & Helmet this Christmas?
When buying a new bicycle or cycle helmet, the following should be considered:
Bicycles
The bicycle must:
§ Have front, side, rear and pedal reflectors fitted.
§ Have an effective braking system.
§ Be labelled with the British Standard BS 6102:1992
§ Be marked with maximum height marks for saddle and handlebars.
§ Have an instruction booklet containing appropriate information in English for the customers use
§ Bicycles sold for self-assembly must be provided with the information and any special tools required for the correct assembly of the bicycle.
§ A bell must be fitted at the point of sale or, in the case of cycles sold in kit form, provided with the bicycle.
Helmets
Make sure the helmet:
§ Is labelled with a CE mark and British Standard BSEN 1078:1997
§ Fits well (the size/size range in cm should be labelled on the helmet)
§ Is properly positioned on the head
§ Is usable with spectacles
§ If the helmet is subjected to severe impact it must be discarded and destroyed
§ Is not used by children while climbing or doing other activities when there is a risk of hanging if the child gets trapped with the helmet.
To stay safe cycling follow the Four Be's:
1. Be Supervised
Find a safe place for your child to cycle. Children under 11 should not be cycling in traffic and still need adult supervision.
2. Be seen at all times
Wear reflective clothing when cycling on or of the road.Close fitting garments are better than loose ones which may become trapped.
3. Be aware of other road users
Always following the Highway Code.
4. Be safe
Always wear a helmet.
Above all remember to have fun and enjoy your bike.
TEN TIPS FOR BUYING YOUR TOYS THIS CHRISTMAS!
Unsafe toys can cause injuries and can even kill. Examples of problems that can make toys unsafe are:-
- unnecessary sharp points that could cause injury
- small parts which could cause a child to choke
- paint on a toy which may have excessive levels of lead
- exposed live electric parts that would cause electric shock to the user.
Although toys are involved in over 40,000 accidents each year, their safety is only part of the problem. Many accidents involving toys occur when people trip over them and when babies play with toys intended for older children.
All goods on sale to the public must be SAFE for their intended use. The responsibility to supply safe consumer goods applies all the way down from the manufacturer to the retailer.
This means, that products being sold should comply with any relevant legislation or recognised safety standard.
When purchasing toys this Christmas follow these ten tips.
1. Only purchase goods from a reputable supplier/shop
2. Examine goods to ensure they carry safety symbols or signs, eg.;
o CE Mark (this should be found on all toys, electrical products and gas appliances)
o BEAB Approval (British Electro Technical Approvals Board)
o Kitemark
o Cigarette/match resistant label on furniture
3. Read all warnings carefully and follow any operating instructions
4. Keep receipts as proof of purchase
5. Only use goods or equipment for the purpose for which they are intended e.g.they are suitable for the childs age
6. Don't let young children play with older childrens toys
7. Check toys for loose hair and small parts, sharp edges and points
8. Dispose of any toy that is in poor repair
9. Keep play areas tidy
10. Supervise young children at play
For further information contact the Council's Environmental Health Unit by telephoning 028 9250 9250 or email ehealth@lisburn.gov.uk..
2. NOISE CONTROL
Advice For a Peaceful Christmas
Christmas is upon us and the Environmental Health Service would like to offer some simple advice about noise from parties and burglar alarms, so that every body can have a peaceful and restful Christmas and New Year.
At this time of the year we receive many complaints about noise from parties. To help ensure the festivities do not cause a problem to your neighbours please follow these simple rules: -
§ If you are having a party, tell your neighbours in advance. They may even pop around to enjoy the Christmas spirit!
§ Keep the noise to a minimum as much as possible - not everyone enjoys hearing "Mistletoe and Wine" in the early hours so turn the volume down!
§ Keep your windows and doors closed
§ Also ask guests to keep the noise to a minimum when leaving
During this time of the year many of us like to go away fro a few days to visit family and friends and hope that the house alarm will protect our possessions. However, we do receive a number of complaints about house alarms sounding and keeping neighbours awake. To be a considerate neighbour, please ensure you have a trusted key holder who can switch off the alarm and leave their contact details with a neighbour or you can register your intruder alarm for free with Environmental Health.
Appeal to Remind Parents & Guardians to think before buying Quads and Scramblers this Christmas
Think before buying quads and scramblers, they are NOT toys.
Lisburn City Council in partnership with Safer Lisburn, the PSNI and the Housing executive have issued a leaflet providing guidance on purchasing quad bikes, and other motorised vehicles.
This year Lisburn City Council has received 18 noise complaints from residents who have been disturbed by noise from Quads, Scramblers and Go-peds.
- Remember that these are NOT toys and if misused can cause serious injuries or death to riders and members of the public.
- Remember that they can only be used on purpose built tracks or circuits or on private land where you have permission from the owner.
- Remember to consider nearby residents and avoid creating a noise nuisance for them.
- Remember think before you buy.
For further information on noise, contact Lisburn City Council's Environmental Health Service on Tel:028 9250 9250, email: ehealth@lisburn.gov.uk or visit www.lisburncity.gov.uk
Further information on quad and scramblers safety and the legal requirements for operating these vehicles can be obtained from PSNI Lisburn on 084 5600 8000.
3. DOG CONTROL
Create a Happy Canine Christmas
Lisburn City Council Dog Wardens are urging people who are thinking about acquiring a household pet as a Christmas gift to stop and think before doing anything.
"The Christmas period is often an unsettling time in the home to introduce any new pet to a family," says Roger Boyd, Senior Dog Warden. "Think carefully before giving a dog a home at Christmas as we often find dogs are abandoned after a few days," he added.
Take into consideration the following points:
§ Where do you live?
§ How large is your garden?
§ Do you have children?
§ Are you at home during the day?
§ Will you walk your dog?
§ Can you afford it?
§ Tips for Caring for your Dog
Every animal has five basic rights, which must be upheld by its owner. These are
1. Freedom of movement - dogs should not be chained up or locked in a kennel
for long periods of time, ensure your dog gets good exercise.
2. Ensure your dog has constant access to clean fresh water and are fed on a regular basis with good wholesome food.
3. Your dog should have a clean, draught free building or kennel which protects them from the elements. Such shelters should be cleaned out every other day to ensure the dogs continued good heath.
4. Depending on the breed of your dog they should receive anywhere between 30 minute to one hour's exercise every day.
5. Like humans dogs become stressed if unable to express their frustration and will behave in a way to attract human attention. This may include barking, biting, chewing, chasing, digging and forgetting its house training. These behavioural signs are an indication that a dog is not at ease with its environment.
If you believe you can care for a dog remember to buy a dog licence. This is your first step to being a responsible dog-owner. A licence costs only £5. Residents within the Lisburn City Council area can now apply for a dog licence on-line at www.lisburncity.gov.uk/online_services/ or you can obtain a licence in person at the Island Civic Centre or request an application form by post or by telephoning 028 92509394.
For those interested in getting a dog please consider visiting our dog pound at Altona Industrial Estate, Hillsborough Old Road, Lisburn. It is open between 12:30pm and 2:30pm Monday to Friday or dogs can be viewed between 9.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday by appointment with the dog wardens. We always have dogs that desperately want a good home.
4. FOOD CONTROL
Festive Hygiene Tips
Christmas is a time when families and friends traditionally get together to celebrate. Providing, storing and cooking the large quantities of food for all these people can prove a headache and can result in food poisoning because proper hygiene precautions are forgotten.
Here are some useful tips to ensure that your family and friends enjoy their food and don't end up queuing outside the smallest room!
GENERAL HYGIENE
- Wash your hands frequently in hot soapy water, especially after handling raw foods and before handling cooked meats.
- Dry your hands on clean towels. Change them and tea towels regularly.
- Wash work surfaces, dishes and utensils in clean hot water and detergent between and after preparing different types of food. Keep cloths clean and use a kitchen disinfectant if you can
STORING FOOD
- Use your refrigerator to store food. Don't over fill it with drinks.
- Store cooked food above raw food in your refrigerator
- Don't leave food that should be refrigerated at room temperature.
- Keep your fridge temperature between 0ºC and 5ºC.
- Refrigerate cooked food as soon as it is cool.
COOKING
- Make sure meat and poultry is fully thawed before cooking.
- Don't forget to remove the giblets from your bird.
These cooking times are based on an unstuffed bird. It's better to cook your stuffing in a separate roasting tin, rather than inside the bird, so it will cook more easily and cooking guidelines will be more accurate. (If you cook your bird with the stuffing inside, you will need to allow extra time for the amount of stuffing and allow for the fact that it cooks more slowly.)
Remember some ovens, such as fan-assisted ovens, might cook the bird more quickly - check the manufacturer's handbook for your oven if you can. Always check that the meat is cooked thoroughly before serving.
As a general guide, in an oven preheated to 180ºC (350ºF, Gas Mark 4):
- for a turkey under 4.5kg, allow 45 minutes per kg plus 20 minutes
- for a turkey weighing between 4.5kg and 6.5kg, allow 40 minutes per kg
- for a turkey over 6.5kg, allow 35 minutes per kg
Tip: Cover your turkey with foil during cooking and uncover for the last 30 minutes to brown the skin. To stop the meat drying out, baste it every hour during cooking
.
Cooking times for other birds
Other birds, such as goose and duck, need different cooking times and temperatures. The oven should always be hotter for duck and goose to melt the fat under the skin.
Goose should be cooked in a preheated oven at 220ºC/425ºF/Gas Mark 7 for 35 minutes per kg.
Tip: Pierce the skin before cooking to help drain the fat and pour away any excess fat halfway through cooking.
Duck should be cooked in a preheated oven for 45 minutes per kg at 200ºC/400ºF/Gas Mark 6.
Tip: Pierce the skin before cooking and drain off the excess fat halfway through cooking.
Chicken should be cooked in a preheated oven at 180ºC/350ºF/Gas Mark 4 for 45 minutes per kg plus 20 minutes.
Tip: Cover your chicken with foil during cooking and uncover for the last 30 minutes to brown the skin. To stop the meat drying out, baste it every 30 minutes during cooking
LEFTOVERS
Any leftover turkey should be taken off the bone, cut into small pieces, placed in a shallow dish, covered and refrigerated as soon as possible preferably within 2 hours. This food should then be eaten within 3 days.
When reheating your turkey ensure it is piping hot all the way through. Any left over gravy should be stored in the fridge and eaten within 3 days and reheated until it starts to boil.
If you follow these simple guidelines then you can be confident that you and your guests can enjoy Christmas.
Top Tips on Healthy Eating Over Christmas
There are many ways that you can enjoy a healthy and nutritious Christmas so here's how to merrily munch your way through the festive season.
§ Try to eat breakfast on Christmas day as this will fill you up and you will be less likely to snack on Christmas choccies!
§ Serve Christmas dinner with heaps of veg for a balanced meal which helps towards the target of at least five fruit and vegetables a day. Fruit and veggies are a good source of nutrients and they contain hardly any fat!
§ Microwave, steam or roast veg to preserve more vitamins. Cook and serve without salt. Try other flavourings like pepper or fresh herbs instead
§ Cut potatoes for roasting into larger chunks - they'll absorb less fat. Roast in a small amount of unsaturated (e.g. sunflower) oil for a healthier choice
§ Turkey meat is a lower fat choice for Christmas dinner; traditionally goose was eaten but is much higher in fat
§ Try making your own gravy instead of using cubes or granules which tend to be high in salt
§ At tea time go for turkey sandwiches, made with thickly cut bread and filled with spinach and watercress
§ When it comes to the traditional Christmas pudding, for a healthy change, instead of serving it with brandy butter, try some natural yoghurt or even some fresh fruit
§ If you're having sweet treats like sweets, cake and crisps, try having them in smaller amounts instead
§ During the party season, it's easy to drink lots of sugary fizzy drinks but opt for water or fruit juice when you can or add a slice of lemon or lime to water
§ For healthy snacks, go for unsalted nuts, dried fruit or satsumas
§ Avoid feeling uncomfortably full by eating more slowly
§ Get active rather than slump on the sofa - take a brisk walk, play an indoor game or maybe just crank up the music and dance away those calories!
§ If you are drinking alcohol try to avoid high calorie alcoholic drinks. Did you know that Smirnoff Ice has around 230 Kcals, a pint of Budweiser has 227 Kcals and a shot of Vodka along with a diet mixer has around 70 Kcals. Remember and drink sensibly - do not exceed 2 units per day for women and 3 units per day for men.
In This Section...
- Good Christmas Guide
- Work Well Initiative