HOLIDAY-TIME SAFETY

The holidays are rapidly approaching and many a wide-eyed child will be bubbling with excitement as they anticipate the great and wondrous events of this Christmas season. Please be careful and observe these simple safety tips and enjoy a happy and safe holiday season.

Give your family the best present of all!

CHRISTMAS TREE

• Make sure the tree is fresh, not dry and losing its needles.

 

• Store the tree outside until you are ready to display it.

 

• If buying a pre-cut tree, cut a one-inch piece off the trunk.

 

• Stand your tree in a sturdy base filled with water and check the water level daily.

 

• Secure the tree so that it cannot be knocked over by pets or a small child.

 

• Don't let the tree block hall and door escape routes.

 

• Artificial trees should bear the label Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Artificial trees should be made of flame resistant materials and lights should never be used on "old" trees with metal frames.

 

• Place the tree away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, stoves, heating vents, heaters, etc.

 

• Do not light candles near the tree and NEVER on the tree.

 

• Bulbs should not come in contact with needles or branches.

 

• Make sure your lights are (CSA) approved.

 

• Check all indoor and outdoor lights to make sure that all connections are tight and the bulbs and cords are in good condition.

 

• Replace wiring, sockets or plugs that are frayed, cracked or have loose connections.

• Never use lights that have an empty socket and replace burnt out bulbs with those recommended by the manufacturer.

 

• Lights should not touch combustible materials. When shopping for Christmas tree ornaments, attempt to find ones which are flame resistant.

 

• Never leave lights on for extended periods of time and NEVER leave the lights on when leaving your home or when going to bed.

 

• Finally, safely dispose of your tree before it becomes dangerously dry. In many areas, waste management recycling programs pick-up Christmas tree after New Years. Never burn tree or tree parts in your fireplace.

 

• Before starting a fire, make sure you remove all decorations from the area and be sure that the flu is open. Do not burn wrappings or evergreen boughs. These can burn extremely fast, throwing off sparks and burning debris.

DECORATING THE HOUSE

• Beware of toxic decorations. Mistletoe, poinsettias and holly berries are poisonous if swallowed. Old tinsel may contain lead.

 

• Place decorations that are breakable or have small parts out of the reach of small children.

 

• Lit candles are a fire and burn hazard. They should be placed in a safe location out of reach of small children and should never be left unattended.

 

• If there are young children in the home, ensure that the garlands, wreaths and other decorations are out of reach, unless they are labelled as safe for infants and toddlers.

 

• If you are decorating with balloons, be aware that broken balloons pose a serious choking hazard to little children.