Safety is something we think about year-round. But with the holidays, lots of people get
caught up in the moment and forget some simple key ways to be safe around the
season.
You will find many of these fire safety reminders to be
related to safety for kids and pets.
Some of the most obvious safety reminders may appear to be
obvious, but it is easy to ‘forget’ the dangers affiliated with holiday
activities. Here are a few tips we’d
like to post. We hope that even if this
is just a refresher for you that if our tips can help save one child or one pet
it’s worth being repetitive.
*Fire wood is wonderful if you are lucky enough to have a
wood burning fire place. And while you may already practice fire safety tips
mentioned in our previous blog – chances are you have firewood placed on your
hearth at one point or another inside of your home at a level that small
children and pets can reach. Do not
forget that black widow spiders like to nest in piles of wood. One bite from this spider can be a lethal
one. Be sure to inspect all of your
fire wood thoroughly before you bring it inside. Keep watch for splintery bits that often
fall off when bringing the wood inside.
Stocking feet of kids and adults as well as the padded paws of
four-legged family members will appreciate not getting toe splinters if you
take this extra precaution.
*Holiday plants look lovely – but they can kill your cat or
dog. Caladium, Christmas Berries,
Christmas Rose, Jerusalem Cherry, Holly, Mistletoe, Pointsettia, Star of
Bethlehem, Elderberry and even common house plants like English Ivy or
Philodendron which often accompany red and green floral arrangements can be
deadly to your pets. Even if you are
extra careful with these holiday arrangements… even simple floral arrangements
for your mantle, dinner table can be deadly. Keep them out of reach and out of
places where they can be knocked over by curious climbers – both the two and
four-legged ones.
*Hooks and pins are great for your holiday wreath or tree to
hang lots of baubles and help hanging lights both inside and out, but should
one fall off onto the floor, carpet or even just outside your home it can
easily be swallowed slitting the throat of your toddler or pet! Even if you do not have children or pets – a
metal hook in your foot or in your car tire, really isn’t fun. Watch out as you decorate in all your
merriment – and be extra careful.
* Ornaments and lights are beautiful for decorating, but
they can be dangerous, too. While glass
bulbs are probably on your radar - Ornaments adorn everything these days from holiday
garland, wreaths and trees to table coffee table centerpieces with
candles. Most of you may be aware that
glass ornaments are dangerous and many can fall onto hard surfaces like a
hearth, entryway or floor and shatter – you may not be aware that some plastic
ornaments are not as durable as you think.
Small shards of plastic can be dangerous, too – as most ornaments are
hollow and have seams which split easily.
Even if the ornament is in tact, look for these plastic fragments to
break away from corners. Many of these
ornaments may not be up to temperature/heat (those that sit directly next to
holiday lights or feel the heat of the
fireplace it sits next to) – breaking down the material, making it more
vulnerable to small cracks and breakage.
*Wires/electrical cords are a necessity when ‘plugging in’
your festive lights inside your home.
Curious children and pets around a LIVE Christmas tree that is watered
regularly to keep from drying out with dangling cords for lights nearby is
deadly. If you have pets that drink from
your toilet – what is to stop them from drinking water from the base of your
holiday tree? Stay aware of this danger
and be cautious of cords and wires that get pulled out and plugged in with the
curiosity that comes from snooping around surrounding presents around the
tree’s baseline (kids and pets), as well as the water that some pets may be
drinking and playing around.
*Holiday treats are in abundance during this time – candy,
cakes, fudge, pies … it’s sometimes a bit overwhelming when you have friendly
co-workers, neighbors, friends and relatives who drop by with plates full of
goodies. While most parents are careful
with children and their nut allergies and dogs around chocolate – we would like
to take this time to remind everyone that these treats in the wrong hands or
paws, can make a very UNMERRY holiday season. The same should be said for hot cocoa, hot
cider, coffee and tea – spilling of hot beverages within reach of kids or pets
can burn your loved ones. And while alcohol
goes without saying – everyone knows not to serve it to little ones and pets,
you also need to take precautionary measures.
When Grandpa Al or Aunt Joanne happen to ‘forget’ they’ve left their hot
toddy on a low-level coffee or end table in the living room during their visit
– this can present some dangerous circumstances.
While the holidays are supposed to be fun and we’re not
trying to put a damper on your spirit, we DO want to ensure happy, safe,
peaceful, healthy holidays for all.
With so much going on between the shopping, wrapping, cooking and travel
planning – we don’t want you to get so distracted you forget that your children
and pets also look to you to protect their health and safety.
By taking extra care this holiday season you can ensure your
family will have happy holidays.
~ Athena
& Tess – We Solved It
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