Be Safe This Holiday Season

The TowneLaker staff wants everyone's holidays to be especially happy this year, but nothing could ruin the spirit of the day faster than a trip to the emergency room. In an effort to help keep your holidays happy and safe, we have compiled safety tips from the National Safety Council, The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. We hope these tips will be helpful during the coming season.

Live Trees: The most important thing to remember is to keep the tree moist. When choosing a tree, test the branches by bending them; they should be flexible and not brittle. Make sure to cut a few inches off the trunk to expose fresh wood. This allows the tree to better absorb water. When setting up the tree, be careful of the placement - not too near radiators, fireplaces or portable heaters. This will dry out the tree faster. Check the water daily. A tree can dry out very quickly, leaving a big fire hazard right in your living room.

Artificial trees: Only purchase a tree that is labeled "Fire Resistant."

Lights: This may be tedious, but it is necessary. Check each strand of lights for exposed wires, frayed cords, cracked sockets or broken bulbs. Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. Be sure to turn off the lights on the tree before going to bed or leaving the house. Only use lights labeled for outdoor use on the exterior of your house.

Candles: Never use lighted candles near or on your tree. Don't let candles burn all the way down. Make sure candle holders are non-flammable. Be aware of where candles are placed. Keep them out of reach of children, and any other place where they could be knocked down or blown over. Don't leave candles burning in an unoccupied room.

Fireplaces: Be sure your flue is open before lighting any fires. Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children. Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. It may result in a flash fire.

Decorations: Wear gloves when decorating with spun glass "angel hair" - it is an eye and skin irritant. Angel hair also can be hazardous when used with spray snow; the combination is extremely flammable. Use only non-combustible materials to decorate your tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or lead-free metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.

Food Safety: When hurrying to prepare food, don't short cut on safety. Always keep raw foods and cooked foods separate and use separate utensils when preparing them. Never put a spoon used to taste food back into food without washing it. Always thaw meat in the refrigerator, never on the countertop. Foods that require refrigeration should never be left out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Don't forget the little onesHolidays can be very stressful for children. Parents are not in their usual routine and there are endless preparations and parties to attend. Children thrive on routines; make meal times a break from the rush and keep bedtimes regular. A well-rested, well-fed child will be able to handle the excitement much better.

Try to avoid long shopping trips, where temptation and boredom are unbearable for little ones.

Monitor your children's intake of holiday sweets. It's okay to let them indulge for a special occasion, but be sure to balance it out with healthier food choices.

In households with children under three years old, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp, breakable or have small removable pieces. Old decorations created before consumer safety was an issue may have a special place in your heart, but should be packed away until children are older.

Homes you visit during the holidays may not be childproofed. Always keep a careful eye on your child while in a new and distracting environment. While out visiting, please don't drink and drive.

Always clean up immediately after entertaining. A toddler could rise early and choke on leftover food or come in contact with alcohol or tobacco.

Toy safety: Select toys that are suitable to the age and abilities of the child. To prevent burns and electrical shocks, don't give children under ten a toy that needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Pull toys with a string more than 12 inches in length can be a strangulation hazard. Thoroughly read instructions and warnings on all toys before children play with them.