Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/412680
Abby's Magazine - November/ December 2014 | Page 45 • Angel hair (made from finely spun glass) and ornament hangers may cause cuts, skin irritation, or 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 circuits. • 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 fire safety, have a family emergency plan in the event of a fire, and check smoke detectors before you put up your holiday decorations. These steps will ensure that your family will be able to celebrate many holiday seasons to come. Accidents • A lot of cooking goes on during the holiday season, so there are many 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 kids 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 car accidents and injuries to children during the holiday season. Parents can prevent a holiday ER visit by making sure the kids are buckled up securely during car rides and by not driving after drinking alcohol. In addition, be wary when traveling during the evenings of holidays such as Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, since there is a higher incidence of drunk-driving accidents on these days. • Sledding accidents can be very serious. Young kids should be supervised and should avoid dangerous sledding areas, such as rocky areas, steep hills, and crowded sledding hills.