Simple Safety Reminders - A few
precautions from the National Safety Council can help keep your holidays
accident free
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Be sure
the tree is anchored properly so it doesn't topple over and
injure small children or pets. If necessary, tie fishing line
to the top of the tree and attach it to a hook in the ceiling or
wall.
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Keep the
tree away from fireplaces, radiators, heaters and stoves. And
don't put it in high-traffic areas where it likely to get
knocked over.
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Even if
you choose an artificial tree that is labeled fire-resistant,
still keep it away from heat and high-traffic areas.
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Don't put
breakable ornaments on the lower part of the tree where children
can get to them. And avoid ornaments that look like food or
candy - younger children may be tempted to try to eat them.
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Don't put
garlands around candles or near the fireplace.
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Use no
more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Extension
cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping
hazards but don't put them under rugs.
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Lights
used outdoors should be weatherproofed and identified for that
use only. The wiring on indoor lights isn't designed to
withstand the elements and may be damaged by snow or rain.
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Don't burn
wrapping paper in the fireplace. It often contains metallic
materials that can be toxic if burned.
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Many
holiday plants - including holly berries, mistletoe, Jerusalem
cherry and amaryllis - can cause severe stomach problems if
eaten. Put plants where children and pets can't get to them and
warn children never to heat houseplants.
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Keeping the Season Safe for Your Kids
Please
remember that holly and mistletoe berries are poisonous if eaten and are
a choking hazard for small children. Poinsettias are not poisonous but
they can cause skin irritations and stomach problems. Also, don't give
children under the age of 4 popcorn, nuts or hard candies; at that age,
they don't have enough molars to grind these foods properly and might
inhale them. |
If
you have a teen that will be going to a Holiday party, find out who will
be the "Designated Driver". Make sure they know that they can
call home for a ride before riding with an intoxicated driver, no matter
how late it is. And when they do call, no matter how tired you are, go
pick them up and don't complain to them or they won't call you again. |
If
you use a lot of candles during the holiday, make sure you have a fire
extinguisher nearby at all times. No matter how careful you are, accidents
happen. |
If
you have small children, be sure your holiday decorations with sharp edges
are up high so crawling babies or pets don't knock them over. |
Holiday Safety for
Pets
Curious pets are inclined to eat everything in sight-even if it's
as indigestible as a tree ornament. Your pet could get sick or die from
swallowing:
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Sharp objects: Toothpicks, ornament hooks and bottle caps are
just as harmful as chicken bones. And when the toothpick is meatball
flavored or hook is attached to a candy cane, it's hard for your pet
to resist.
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Large objects: Corks, small toys, tree decorations and fruit
pits may be small enough for your pet to swallow, but too big to
digest.
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Stringy objects: The normal twisting of the gut causes long,
thin objects to stuck in an animal's intestine. In addition to such
year-round hazards as foil, plastic wrap and dental floss, watch out
for tinsel, ribbon, yarn and string used for popcorn or cranberry
garlands. A mere 4 inches can be life threatening to your pet.
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Food and Plant hazards: Poinsettia and Jerusalem cherry plants
are poisonous to animals. And chocolate Santas can dehydrate your
dog and make him vomit. Hook edible ornaments high on your tree and
skip the toothpicks (USE PRETZEL STICKS INSTEAD) on the hors
d'oeuvres unless you're sure you can keep Rover out of harm's way.
If your pet does eat one of the above, call your vet immediately.
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Rinse alcohol from drink glasses. If ingested, alcohol can make
dogs, cats and birds violently ill.
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Keep birds away from avocados; the coating on the pit is toxic to
some species.
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Keep chocolate away from dogs and birds. Even a small amount can
be toxic.
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Secure garage bags tightly to keep leftover bones, meat and
roasting twine out of reach.
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