Securing a safe holiday season
Tips for you and your family
December 18, 2013 by Mark Dye
The food, the lights, the ornaments, the parties…the holidays can be a wonderful (if sometimes a bit stressful) time. They are also the time to keep safety top of mind—otherwise your holiday fun could come to a painful and expensive end. Here are some tips to keep safety top-of-mind this season.
The tree
- Real tree—Dispose properly afterward; No candles & keep away from heat sources
- Fake trees should be fire resistant
- Metallic tree—No electric lights (loose wires=electrocution)
- Watch for sharp, breakable, or small ornaments within kids’ reach
The lights
- Replace broken bulbs & those with exposed wires
- Use no more than three strands per outlet
- Check that they are "UL listed"
- Unplug when leaving or going to bed
- Outdoor lights:
- Keep securely attached
- Use protected outlets (e.g., ground fault, or GFI)
- Plug in only outdoor-approved extension cords
The fireplace
- Keep flue cleaned & clear of debris
- Be sure trees, presents, and kids are at least 6’ away
- Don’t burn wrapping paper (goes up quickly and intensely)
- Be careful with colorizing “fire salts” they are toxic to kids and pets
The food
- Keep all eats at the right temperature (cold or hot)
- Only keep foods at room temperature two hours or less
- Keep hot foods/liquids away from the edge of counters, out of kids’ reach
- If deep frying a turkey: do NOT overfill the pot (this video shows why), do NOT fry on a deck, and make sure it’s thawed (this video shows why).
The gifts
- Check recall lists at Consumer Product Safety Division
- Buy age appropriate gifts
- Don't get plug-in electronic toys for kids under 10 years old, only battery operated ones
We hope these tips help you have a very merry and safe holiday season.
About the author: Mark Dye
Mark Dye has been writing articles, recording podcasts, and putting together books on personal finance for nearly a decade. His work has been recognized by the American Bankers Association and the Institute for Financial Literacy, and received an 2011 APEX Grand Award for Writing. Follow Mark on Google+.
Contact: Mark Dye