'Tis the season to be careful. Each year emergency departmentstreat about
10,800 people for injuries related to holiday decorations,according to the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Thefollowing are potential hazards
and recommendations for safeuse:
Holiday trees
Trees pose a fire hazard that leads to 400 residential firesand nearly 40
deaths and 100 injuries each year.
When choosing a real tree, find one that is fresh, green andhas a trunk
sticky with resin. Place the tree in a sturdy standthat holds water to keep
it from drying out quickly, and keepthe stand filled. Cut a few inches of
trunk off the tree toexpose fresh wood to allow better water absorption. Keep
thetree far from fireplaces, radiators and portable heaters.
Makesure the tree does not get in the way of doorways.
Chooseartificial trees labeled "fire resistant."
Holiday lights
To prevent electrocution or shock:
use indoor and outdoor lights in their specified locations;
string lights with insulated staples or hooks, not with nailsor tacks;
never pull lights to remove them;
never use electriclights on a metallic tree;
turn off all lights when you goto bed or leave the house; and
check sockets, wires and connections,and replace or repairany damaged
items.
Ornaments
Ornaments can pose a choking hazard.
Avoid placing breakable ornaments or those with small or sharpparts in
places where small children can reach them.
Avoidtrimmings that resemble edible items when small childrenarepresent,
because they may be tempted to eat them.
Gift wrap
• Remove all gift-wrap items from near the fireplace andtree after
opening gifts.
Candles
Never use lighted candles near trees or other evergreens.
Alwaysuse non-flammable candle-holders.
Put candles in places wherethey will not be knocked down.
Plants
Many holiday plants can cause severe stomach problems if eaten.These
include: mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry andamaryllis. Keep
dangerous plants out of children's reach andaway from pets.
Angel hair and artificial snow
Spun glass "angel hair" can irritate eyes and skin; use gloves
whenhandling.
Artificial snow sprays can irritate lungs if inhaled, so besure to follow
instructions.
Toys
Select toys appropriate for child's age, skills and interests.
Read instructions carefully before allowing children to playwith toys.
Do not give children under age 10 toys that needto be pluggedin. Instead
give battery-operated items.
Childrenunder 3 can choke on small parts; follow governmentregulationson
gifts for these children.
Children under age 8 can chokeor suffocate on uninflated orbroken
balloons.
Watch for toyswith strings longer than 12 inches; they canpose a
strangulationhazard for babies.
Fireplaces
Make sure the flue is open and remove nearby decorations before
lighting.
Fire salts that produce colored flames can cause gastrointestinal
irritationand vomiting if ingested. Keep away from children.
Do notburn wrapping paper.
Food
Fully cook meats, and thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables.
Keep hot items away from table edges.
Wash children's andyour own hands frequently.
Wash spoons used to taste foodbefore putting them into foodagain.
Keep raw and cooked foodsseparate and use different utensilswith
them.
Thaw meat inthe refrigerator not on the countertop.
Foods that requirerefrigeration should not be left at roomtemperature
more thantwo hours.
Clean up immediately after a holiday party. Childrencan getinto leftover
food or alcohol and choke or suffer alcoholpoisoning.
