Making the Holidays Safe

Family gatherings, special traditions, delicious treats — it just may be the most wonderful time of the year, especially for kids. Unfortunately, for emergency room doctors it's also one of the busiest. Take time out to learn how to protect your little ones from some common holiday dangers, and you and your family can enjoy a season that's happy and healthy.

Poisoning

Mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, Jerusalem cherry plants, and other plants are commonly used as decorations during the holidays. Like many plants, these are considered potentially poisonous and should be kept out of the reach of children. Symptoms of plant poisoning can include rashes, nausea, diarrhea. If you suspect that your child has eaten any part of a plant, immediately call your doctor or the National Poison Center: (800) 222-1222.
"Bubble lights" containing methylene chloride can be poisonous if a child drinks the fluid from more than one light (even if labeled nontoxic). Snow sprays may be harmful if the aerosol propellants are used improperly.
Food poisoning is another potential holiday hazard. Practice
Tree ornaments, light bulbs, icicles, tinsel, and small toys are potential eye damage if touched or swallowed by children.

Fire

Keep your tree secured in a sturdy stand so that it doesn't tip over (or isn't knocked over by kids or pets) and keep it away from all heat sources such as electrical outlets, radiators, and portable space heaters. If you buy an artificial tree, be sure that it is labeled "fire-retardant." Unplug all lights, both indoor and outdoor, and extinguish all candles every night before you go to bed.
Avoid using real candles on a tree because if the needles are dry they can easily catch fire. Never leave the room with single candles or menorah candles burning — it only takes a minute for a spark from a candle to burst into flames. Keep live candles away from windowsills and mantles and use only flame-retardant decorations when decking your halls.
Circuits that are overloaded with lights, decorations, and accessories can start a fire. Don't overload indoor or outdoor electrical outlets.
Have your fireplace inspected before you light your first fire of the season. A chimney professional can clean your fireplace and ensure that it is safe to use. You can protect your family by using a sturdy fireplace screen when burning fires. Never burn paper or pine boughs, since those materials can float out of the chimney and ignite a nearby home.
Practice
A lot of cooking goes on during the holiday season; as a result, there are a lot of opportunities for burns and scaldings. Keep pot handles turned away from the front of the stove and always keep the oven door closed. To prevent accidents, watch your children while you bake or cook. Kitchen appliances should be clean to prevent potential fires.

Keep breakable ornaments out of young kids' reach — or keep them off the tree until your children are older. If one does break, clean up the broken glass quickly.

There is an increased incidence of Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: September 2007