Here are some safety tips for you to think about this holiday season as you enjoy time with your family and friends:

Decorations:

• Place candles where they will not be knocked down.
• If possible, use battery-operated candles.
• In homes with small children, avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable.
• Decorations that have small removable parts should be kept out of the reach of children. Don’t use small decorations that resemble candy or food.
• Never use lighted candles on trees or near other evergreens
• Immediately remove or throw away all wrapping paper, bags, ribbons, etc. after opening gifts.

Trees:

• Make sure artificial trees are labeled “Fire Resistant”.
• If purchasing a live tree, look for freshness. Needles should be green and are hard to pull from branches.
• Keep live and artificial trees away from fireplaces, radiators, vents and portable heaters. Do not set trees up in the way of traffic or in front of doorways.
• Do not allow the tree to dry out. Water it regularly. Cut off a few inches from the bottom of the trunk before setting up. This allows for better water absorption.

Lights:

• Check all lights (even new sets) to be sure all bulbs work and there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.
• All outdoor lights should be approved for outdoor use. Do not use “Indoor Use Only” lights outside.
• Plug all outdoor electric decorations into GFCI circuits to avoid potential shocks.
• Turn off all lights before you go to bed or leave the house.

Toy Safety:

• Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child.
• Read all toy instructions carefully before allowing children to play with new toys.
• Avoid giving children younger than 10 toys that have to be plugged in. Instead buy battery-operated toys.
• Children under three can choke on small parts contained in toys. Do not give a child under the age of three a toy with parts smaller than 1 1/4 inches round or 2 1/4 inches long.

Food Safety:

• Fully cook meats and poultry to avoid food poisoning. Thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruit.
• Wash your hands frequently when preparing food.
• Always keep raw foods and cooked foods separate and use separate utensils when preparing them.
• Always thaw meat in the refrigerator, not on the countertop.
• Do not leave foods that require refrigeration out for more than 2 hours.

Fireplaces:

• Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers and other decorations from the area.
• Check to make sure the flue is open.
• Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace!

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

This information is provided as a service to you by Compliance Consultants, Inc.

This information was compiled from the American Academy of Pediatrics website.