Making a List, Checking it Twice… Holiday Safety Tips
With the holiday season fast approaching, most of us are busy preparing for the holidays. In the midst of all that hustle and bustle, it's easy to forget to pay attention to common safety precautions. Particular care must be taken in households with young children. Children get overly excited while their paren'ts and caregivers may be busy and distracted during the festivities. By taking some simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of accidents. Here is a list of holiday safety tips to keep in mind:
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- keep tree secured in a sturdy tree stand and away from high traffic areas
- if you use a real tree, choose a fresh one and water daily
- avoid trimmings with sharp, breakable and removable parts
- use only light strings and bulbs that are certified by a recognized organization
- beware of poisonous holiday plants like mistletoe, holly and poinsettia
- do not leave burning candles unattended and keep matches & lighters out of children's reach
- do not overload electrical outlets and make sure smoke detectors are in good working order
- read and follow the age label on toys. Small toys and removable parts can cause chocking in children under three
- toys with long & stretchy cords present strangulation hazard for children
- sharp edges and points can cut a child
- toy packaging can suffocate or choke a child
- ride-on toys can'tip; secure staircases to avoid dangerous falls
- latex balloons and leaded paint chips can be inhaled by young children
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- beware of overeating (see previous blog)
- follow basic food safety precautions to avoid food poisoning
- do everything in moderation — so drink responsibly!
- take a taxi or public transit or have a designated driver if you had too much to drink
- protect your guests and yourself by being a responsible host
- be aware of common holiday stress triggers so you can disarm them before they spoil the holidays
- when stressed, validate your feelings and reach out; it's ok to ask for help!
- be realistic — holidays don't have to be perfect
- plan ahead, learn to say no and stick to a budget
- don't abandon healthy habits and make some time for yourself
Last but not least, while scurrying around, don't forget those less fortunate and give generously!
2 thoughts on “Making a List, Checking it Twice… Holiday Safety Tips”
A lot of safety preparations can be done during holidays. The bottom line is that it must adapt to our houses and should properly be implemented.
I actually appreciate it when people post something which has something to do with their concern for other people. It’s somehow pleasing.