Holiday Safety Tips

Here are a few safety tips to make your Christmas safer.

• Childproof your home if small children are expected.
• Check decorations for damage/wear and tear on a regular basis.
• Check the condition of electrical outlets and safety caps.
• Make sure extension cords are plugged into the wall socket (not each other).
• Avoid electric lights on the metal X-mas tree!

In the kitchen…

• Thaw meat properly.
• Don’t keep pots and pans on the stove when you are finished with them.
• Keep handles pointed in (so they aren’t bumped by someone walking by or grabbed by curious children.)
• Children love to help in the kitchen, but they should always be supervised.  Assign tasks according to age and motor skills

In the dining room…

• Are the candles away from children?
• Are sharp knives inaccessible to children?
• Is the hot food stored away from areas inaccessible to children?

In the living room…

• There may be fireplaces, so keep the kids away from them.
• Keep utensils near the fire place secured along with any matches.
• Make sure all holiday rugs are secure.

Now, about the tree…

• Don’t block exits or put too close to a heat source.
• Keep your live tree fresh.  Water it regularly. Secure the tree from tipping over
• Decorate the tree safely, keep the breakable ornaments away from children

And on the stairways…

• Make sure all decorations are tightly secured.
• Make sure the handrails are functional, especially for the elderly, the physically challenged, and the children.
• Make sure the steps are clear of all toys and other loose objects.

The Christmas wreaths…

• Are they made of toxic materials, are they flammable?
• Do they contain items that are choking hazards for children?

And your in-home pets…

• Your pets may be fascinated by the Christmas decorations including hanging strings, cords, sashes, flashing lights, shiny objects, etc. 
• Animals are fascinated by candles, so keep them out of their reach.

Pets as gifts

• Puppies and kittens require a lot of attention.  They are easily excited about activities in the house and they aren’t always accustomed to children.

And finally, the great outdoors

• Check the extension cords, wires, and equipment to ensure they are designed for use outdoors.
• Check the equipment needed for setting up decorations.  Do NOT use metal ladders to string lights.
• Be careful of the placement of the wires, especially around doors, walkways, and driveways.