By Martin Simenc
In the frenzy of the holidays, it's easy to overlook potential safety hazards that decorating and celebrating may bring. But while you're busy wrapping the presents, lighting the candles, or trimming the tree, it's important to keep the following in mind:
Every little button, bauble, and ornament is a potential choking hazard.
You already know that babies and toddlers will put almost anything in their mouths, so watch where you're leaving that bowl of tiny pinecones or potpourri. Wreaths, ornaments, Nativity scenes, and other decorations with unsecured pieces become choking hazards if left within reach of little hands. Be sure to keep seasonal decorations and dishes of holiday treats ‒ especially nuts and hard candies ‒ well out of your child's reach on high tables or counters. Finally, clean up carefully when wrapping and opening presents. Babies and young toddlers love scrap pieces of tape, ribbon, and wrapping paper (especially shiny foil papers) and could choke on them. And you don't want your child getting his hands on scissors and other sharp tools used to cut paper and ribbon.
Candles and matches create a fire hazard.
Young children are drawn to flames, so keep lit candles well out of your child's reach. Don't put lit candles on a tablecloth or anything else that your child could pull down or knock over. And always keep lit candles far away from your tree and never let a candle burn in an unoccupied room. Place lighted menorahs in a safe spot (and extinguish them when not attended).
Lights and other tree decorations can be dangerous
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Strings of electric lights are as dangerous as they are attractive to young children, who can easily get wrapped up in the wires and risk being strangled or even electrocuted. And while tinsel can make a tree sparkle, it's also a choking hazard. If you use strands of tinsel or lights of any kind, hang them high and out of your child's reach.
Lead may lurk in unexpected places.
Like many appliance cords, many strings of Christmas tree lights are coated with plastic that contains lead. The amount of lead varies widely, and it's hard to say how dangerous it might be. To be safe, don't let your child handle the lights or suck on anything other than a pacifier or teething toy.
Lead is also a concern if you have an artificial tree that's old or that was made in China. Some of these trees may contain unsafe levels of lead and give off dust that can spread lead through the air. Throw out any suspect artificial trees and replace them with either the real thing or a modern imitation. When buying an artificial tree, check for lead warning labels.
Some holiday plants are poisonous.
Contrary to popular myth, poinsettias aren't poisonous to humans. The real danger this season is mistletoe -- ingesting it can cause severe stomach cramps and diarrhea and can even be fatal. If you decide to hang a sprig over your doorway, make sure it's well secured and that it won't be knocked to the floor where a pet or toddler could happen upon it. Holly and pyracantha (also known as firethorn), both of which are frequently used in holiday decorations, are toxic as well -- keep them out of reach.
A curious child can bring down the tree, the menorah, and more.
Naturally your child will be fascinated by the lights, ornaments, and colorful packages on and around your Christmas tree. If your tree isn't anchored securely in its stand, your child may reach for a low-hanging bough and pull the whole thing down on top of her.
For the same reason, you have to be careful about putting decorative items on tables, televisions, or shelves that your child may try to climb or shake. Give your display a good "shake test" to make sure that these items can't be toppled. Be especially careful with menorahs that are heavy or unstable.
If possible, set up your tree and other decorations outside of your child's main play area and put up a safety gate to block your child from entering that room. If your tree must be in an accessible area, consider keeping the lower branches free of lights and ornaments and blocking access to the tree with furniture or an extended safety gate (e.g. KidCo ConfigureGate).
Following these tips and maintaining active parental supervision of your little ones should ensure a safe, and hopefully joyous, holiday season. For more tips on creating a safe home environment for our families year-around, visit www.homesafety.net.
About the Author: Martin Simenc ("The Safety Guy"), is the President of Home Safety Services, Inc., the Bay Area’s largest and highest rated safetyfittingTM company. They can be reached at 1-888-388-3811.
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