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.