Keep Safe This Holiday

By Brooke, December 19, 2011, News

The holiday season is a time for celebration and happiness, but it can also be a dangerous time. During this holiday season of merriment remember these safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe and out of harm’s way.

Trees

If a fresh tree is on your list, be sure to keep it fresh by watering it daily. Before putting it into a stand, cut off two inches of the trunk as fresh wood absorbs water better.
When placing a tree, keep it safely away from fireplaces, radiators or any other heat source.
Avoid artificial snow sprays as they can irritate lungs if inhaled.
Many of artificial trees are fire resistant so before buying one, look for a statement stating it’s so.
Keep candles far and safely away from trees.

Lights

Before using holiday lights, check each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections.
Discard unsafe, damaged sets or repair them before using.
Use no more than three standard-size sets of holiday lights per one extension cord.
Turn off all lights on trees and holiday decorations when you go to bed or before you leave the house as they can short and start a fire.

Holiday Decorations

Use only nonflammable or flame-retardant holiday decorations and should be placed away from heat vents.
If you have small children, avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable or that have small removable parts that they can choke on.
When connecting holiday lights to your house, use plastic or rubber clips to keep the wires from touching metal objects.

Fireplace

Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace as it can result in a very large fire.
Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces that do not have a glass fireplace door.
Before lighting the fire, check to make sure the flue is open.

Toys

Children under the age of three can choke on small parts contained in toys or games. Government regulations specify that toys for children under age three cannot have parts less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long.
To prevent both burns and electrical shocks, don’t give young children (under age ten) a toy that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated.
Watch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.

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