Holiday Safety Tips
Did you know that the number one day for house fires is in December? The 2nd highest number of fires is on New Years Eve and the third is Christmas Eve. Everyone should pay extra attention to safety measures during the holidays to prevent serious and not-so-serious accidents. This article provides safety tips for you and your family. Have a safe and happy holiday season.
Trees
- Artificial trees should be labeled “Fire Resistant.”
- Real Christmas trees should be checked for freshness, with green, needles that do not easily break when bent.
- Place tree far from heat sources, out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.
- Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to allow for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree fresh longer.
- Keep your tree-stand filled with water to prevent your tree from drying out.
Lights
- Holiday lights only last about three months and should be changed out every three years.
- Check all lights to make sure none are broken, as broken lights can be a fire-hazard.
- Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
- Make sure outdoor lights have been certified for outdoor use.
- Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.
- Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
Candles
- Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.
- Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.
- If a candle is lit, a grown-up should be in the room at all times.
- Blow out candles if going to sleep or leaving the room.
- Use stable candle-holders, and hurricane glass to protect the flame.
- Stow lighters and matches away from where children may find them.
- Consider battery operated candles that smell and flicker like real candles, without the safety hazard.
Decorations
- Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree.
- Avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable if small children are in the home.
- Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to prevent them from swallowing.
- Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a young child to eat them.
- Remove all wrapping papers, bags, paper, ribbons and bows from tree and fireplace areas after gifts are opened. These items can pose suffocation and choking hazards to a small child or can cause a fire if near flame.
Holiday Toy Safety
- Read labels. Check age and safety recommendations as a guide.
- Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child.
- Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly-secured eyes, noses and other potential small parts.
- For all children under 8, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.
- Magnets – For children under age six, avoid building sets with small magnets. If swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
- Small Parts – For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
- Ride-on Toys – Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be sized to fit.
- Projectile Toys – Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and sling shots are for older children. Improper use of these toys can result in serious eye injuries.
- Chargers and Adapters – Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.
Resources
Article compiled by The Marketing Shop.com
