Safety for the Holidays
Why is holiday safety so important? Decorations are not used and checked for damage/wear and tear on a regular basis More visitors in the home, especially children and older people Schedules are more hectic and most people are preoccupied with family events
We’re Checking the List Twice... Electrical outlets and safety caps Extension cords - the right stuff Overloading Electric lights vs the metal Christmas tree! Appliance cords
Guess What’s Cooking in the Kitchen? Cooking with the right stuff Pots and pans on the stove Storing and handling glassware and flatware Dishwashers Cleaning products
Kids and Holiday Cooking Supervision Limit the number of people and tasks Tasks assignment based on age and motor skills
The Dining Room Table cloths and runners Flower arrangements Candles Crystal and china Hot food on the table Pass the plate
The Living Room Most decorated room Fireplaces Utensils Matches Holiday rugs
The Tree Placement of the tree inside the room Keeping the tree fresh Artificial trees Securing the tree from tipping over & traffic Decorating the tree safely
The Stairways Securing items Functional handrails especially for seniors, physically challenged, and children Trip hazards
Christmas Wreaths Various materials Choking hazards for children Toxic for children and pets Infestations Flammability
The Bathroom Slipping and sliding in the tub Hot water temperatures Bathroom rugs Electrical appliances Storing items in the medicine cabinet
Pets That Live in the House They are usually fascinated by the decorations. Hanging strings, cords, sashes, etc. Flashing lights Tree decorations such as doves, angels, etc. Candles
Pets as Gifts Puppies and kittens require attention Easily excited about activities in the house Not accustomed to children The party animal
The Outside Types of lights Extension cords Waterproofing Equipment needed for setting up decorations NOT including metal ladders
The Outside Continued Placement of wires especially around doors, walkways, and driveways Animals, children, and the mailman
Words on Toy Selection Age appropriate Motor skills of the child Design and construction of the toy Toy supervision
Shopping for Christmas Tips for safe shopping Accidents due to haste Theft from automobiles Children, physically challenged, and seniors usually don’t survive marathon shopping
Can You Identify the Hazards??? Number 1.
Another Hazard? Number 2.
Another Hazard Number 3
And Another Hazard! Number 4
More Hazards! Number 5
More Hazards??? Number 6
It’s Beginning to Look Like... Number 7
The Safety Office wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year