Hints for Safe Holidays

Ways to Maximize Safety in Your House for the Holidays

by Pattie Fitzgerald

The holidays are an especially exciting time for kids of all ages. Between the parties, events, shopping, and travel, it's hard to imagine a more exhilarating season. But, with so much activity going on in the next several weeks, it's extremely important to implement some key safety strategies to help ensure that everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday season.

Holiday Parties and Decoration Safety Keep an eye on beverage glasses containing alcohol or other adult drinks. Small children can innocently ingest a harmful drink that looks like soda or juice.

Remember that homes you visit may not be childproof. Keep a watchful eye out for danger spots such as stairs, bathroom cabinets, patio doors leading to the backyard, fireplaces, etc.

When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant."

When purchasing a live tree, needles should be green and hard to pull from the branches. It should not lose many needles when tapped on the ground.

Check the water level every day. Warm rooms can dry out a live tree quickly. A 6-foot tree will use approximately 1 gallon of water every two days.

Use only UL-listed lights, and do not string more than 3 strands together.

Be sure to use only "outdoor" lights outside.

Never use indoor extension cords outside.

Place candles away from combustibles and in sturdy containers to prevent toppling over. Remember: Hot wax can burn children. Be sure to extinguish all candles before going to bed or leaving the house.

In homes with small children, avoid decorations that have sharp edges, small pieces, or are easily broken and those that resemble food or candy, which can tempt little ones. Be sure your smoke alarm is in good working order and that batteries are fresh.

Consider installing at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home.

Holiday Travel Tips If children become separated from you while shopping or in any public place, teach them to go to a "safe grownup" for help like a Mom with kids or the cash register person at the store. Avoid telling children to look for the manager. Any important looking adult in a suit can be mistaken for the manager.

Instruct your kids to NEVER, EVER go looking for you in the parking lot or anywhere else. Remind them you'll never leave the area until you are reunited.

In an emergency, a loud yell is one of the best things a child can do: phrases like "Help", "Stop", "This is not my dad", or even "Mom, where are you?" A child calling attention to themselves in public is a predator's worse nightmare.

Dress children in brightly colored clothes and remember what they are wearing, especially their shoes.

Be sure that children know your cell phone number when you're out in public. If necessary, write it down and slip it in their pocket. Let them know they can ask a "safe grownup" to call you on your cell if necessary.

Teach older children, the "check first" rule. Kids must always check with you first before going off to another part of the store, the restroom, play area or anywhere else.

Always bring young children into the public restroom with you.

If your child is old enough to use the restroom room alone, be sure to stand right outside the door and call in to him "Are you okay?" "I'm right here". This lets a potential predator know you're watching closely and makes you less likely to be a victim.