The holidays are a magical time filled with twinkling lights, festive candles, holiday trees, and cherished family traditions. Decorations play an essential role in bringing joy to the season, especially for children who find comfort and connection in these familiar rituals. However, it’s important to prioritize safety when decorating your home for the holidays. Here are 12 practical tips to help you and your family stay safe:
Choose a Fresh Live Tree
If you’re opting for a real tree, check its freshness. Fresh trees have needles that are hard to pull off and bend without breaking. Tap the tree on the ground to ensure only a few needles fall off. Before placing it in the stand, cut a few inches off the trunk and keep the stand filled with water to prevent the tree from drying out.Check Artificial Trees for Fire Resistance
When using an artificial tree, ensure it’s labeled as “fire resistant” to reduce fire hazards.Place Trees Safely
Set your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, and portable heaters. Keep it out of high-traffic areas and ensure it doesn’t block doorways. Use only flame-resistant or non-combustible materials to decorate.Inspect Lights Before Use
Examine all lights—new or old—before hanging them. Look for working bulbs, secure connections, and no frayed wires or broken sockets.Avoid Lead-Containing Decorations
Use tinsel and icicles made of plastic or non-leaded materials. Many light strands may contain lead in the wires or bulb sockets, so keep them out of reach of children and wash your hands after handling.Secure Batteries Safely
Button and lithium coin batteries are a severe hazard if swallowed. Ensure battery compartments in toys, flameless candles, and decorations are securely closed. Wrap used batteries in tape before disposing of them to prevent accidents.Use Certified Outdoor Lights
Check the labels on outdoor lights to confirm they’re certified for exterior use. Attach lights using insulated staples or hooks, not nails or tacks. Always plug outdoor decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to prevent shocks.Candle Safety
Place candles away from flammable materials and ensure they’re in stable areas where they can’t be knocked over. Never leave candles unattended, and avoid using them near trees or greenery.Kid-Friendly Decorations
In homes with small children, avoid sharp, breakable ornaments or decorations with small, removable parts. Decorations resembling food or candy should be avoided to prevent children from mistaking them for something edible.Handle Artificial Decorations Carefully
When decorating with spun glass “angel hair,” wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation. Use artificial snow sprays according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent lung irritation.Clear Wrapping Materials Quickly
After opening gifts, remove wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows from tree and fireplace areas. These materials pose choking and suffocation risks for children and can ignite if near open flames.Keep Toxic Plants Out of Reach
Decorations like mistletoe berries, Jerusalem cherry, and holly berries can be toxic if ingested. Keep them out of children’s reach and contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if needed.
At the children's clinic in Jackson, TN, we encourage families to embrace the joy of the holidays while staying mindful of safety. Taking simple precautions can ensure your celebrations are as safe as they are memorable. For more holiday tips or to learn about keeping your children healthy year-round, visit us or give us a call. Let’s make this season magical and secure for everyone!
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