The holiday season is an exciting time for everyone. It is a special time for celebrating with family and friends. Trees, decorative lights, candles, ornaments and gifts are a large part of the celebrations.
However, according to Carol Beringer with KidSafe Connection, with these special traditions come hazards for children. "Children are excited by the holidays and parents may be busy and distracted during this time", says Carol.
She encourages everyone to take a minute in your hectic schedule to read the following reminders of safety precautions from KidSafe Connection and help ensure that this Christmas is a happy one for all:
Trees and Plants
* If using a real tree, buy one that is fresh. Immerse the tree trunk in water immediately and water it daily.
* Place the tree in a sturdy holder and ensure it is well-anchored so it will not fall over.
* Set up the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, heaters or wood stoves.
* Keep trees away from exit paths and doorways.
* Consider buying an artificial tree. Look for one with a "fire-resistant" label.
* Plants such as Mistletoe, English Holly, and English Ivy are poisonous. Keep these and other plants out of reach of children.
Lights and Candles
* Use only CSA approved lighting sets and extension cords.
* Examine light strings every year for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wire or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.
* Use indoor and outdoor lights only in the locations for which they were designed.
* Do not overload electrical circuits or extension cords.
* Switch off the tree lights at bedtime and when leaving the house.
* Be aware that miniature lights produce less heat and reduce the drying effect on trees.
* Never use electric lighting on metallic trees.
* Never decorate the tree with lit candles. Keep lit candles away from flammable materials such as curtains and furniture.
* Ensure burning candles are always supervised and out of reach of children.
Decorations
* Look for non-flammable ornaments and garland.
* Discard broken decorations.
* Avoid putting small or breakable ornaments near the bottom of the tree where children can reach them.
Toys
* When buying toys, follow the manufacturer is age recommendations.
* Pay attention to safety information on toy packaging such as "non-toxic" or "non-flammable".
* Watch out for toys with small parts that could be removed and become a choking hazard for young children.
* Supervise children to ensure they use toys as they were designed to be used.
* Avoid toys with long strings or cords that could lead to strangulation for young children.
* Keep latex balloons away from small children; children can choke on deflated balloons and balloon pieces.
* Check toys regularly for breakage or loose parts and repair or discard them.
* Monitor battery-operated toys. Batteries can leak and burn children¹ s skin or they can be swallowed.
* Ensure your child's toy box is safe. It should have ventilation holes and the lid should be light and well supported.
Clothing
* Buy jackets or other garments that do not have drawstrings around the hood, waist or bottom. Choose jackets with "break-away" hoods rather than fixed hoods.
* Use neck warmers instead of scarves to reduce the risk of strangulation.
* Remember: Whether at home or visiting, supervision is an important part of preventing injuries to children.
* Snug fitting sleepwear that is tight at the waist, wrists and ankles is less likely to catch fire than loose fitting styles. If you select loose fitting sleepwear for children ensure that it is made of flame-resistant fabric such as polyester.
* Teach children what to do if their clothing catches fires - STOP, DROP and ROLL.
* Ensure buttons and decorative items are fastened securely to garments.
Outdoor Activities
* Ice skate only in rinks or on lakes and ponds that are designated as safe skating areas. Always obey warning signs.
* Toboggan on gently sloped hills that are clear of ice and obstacles and have long run off areas. Teach children to kneel or sit down on their toboggans and always wait until the people ahead of them have moved out of the way.
* To prevent hypothermia and frostbite ensure that children dress in several layers of warm clothing, keeping their heads, faces and ears covered. Have children wear mittens instead of gloves and ensure they wear warm waterproof boots. Also, have extra clothes available in case children's clothes become wet.
* Plan activities in outdoor locations that have warm shelters and a telephone near by.
Other Safety Tips
*Closely monitor food while cooking, especially when frying or heating oil. Keep kitchen clutter away from the stove and oven.
*Keep small or hard candies, nuts and toothpicks out of young children's reach.
* Keep alcohol and tobacco products out of children's reach.
* Store matches and lighters out of children's reach.
* Ensure there are working smoke detectors on every level of the home.Test detectors regularly and replace batteries every six months.
* Have a fire extinguisher near the exit for emergencies. Ensure you know how to use it properly.
Remember: Whether at home or visiting, supervision is an important part of preventing injuries to children.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
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