A holiday can be a fun and exciting time. However, Christmas decorations, holidays and the cold can be a threat to children.
Keep the following safety tips in mind when preparing for the holidays:
- If you have real trees, make sure the tree supports are always filled with water so the trees don't dry out and increase the risk of fire. If you are buying an artificial tree, make sure it is made of refractory material. Make sure the stand is level with the ground and decorate the tree so that the weight is evenly distributed.
- Do not leave children alone in a room with candles, matches, matches, fireplaces or other sources of ignition or heat.
- Keep the decorations out of the reach of children and stick them on the wall. Anything through the toilet paper tube can clog a baby's airways.
- Keep mistletoe, holly and poinsettia out of the reach of children, as they are toxic if ingested.
- Use distribution boards with built-in circuit breakers. Avoid inserting too many plugs into a single electrical outlet. Keep cords out of storage or behind furniture and insert electrical outlet covers into any unused outlets.
- Check with your child carefully to help you decorate, especially when handling lights, ornaments and fragile items.
- Purchase UL Listed lights, which confirms that the product has been tested to meet safety requirements.
- Make sure that the toys for children are age-appropriate and that the batteries cannot be easily removed. Disc-shaped or coin-cell batteries are a choking hazard for young children.
- Do not place gifts under the tree that contain glass, perfume or cologne, toxic substances or aggressive materials.
- Keep alcohol out of the reach of children. Clean up the remaining drinks quickly.
- Dress your baby appropriately for the weather, making sure their hands, feet and head are covered.
- Keep an eye on children and make sure they are wearing the right safety gear for sledding, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and other outdoor activities.
Careful inspection of your home and care for any safety risks can ensure that you and your children have a happy and safe holiday season.