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Holiday Safety

Holidays are times for families and friends to gather and celebrate. Along with these special occasions come situations that can pose safety risks to children. It's important to be aware of these risks so that everyone can enjoy a safe and fun holiday season!

Cooking Safety

According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.

  • Do not leave food cooking on the stove top unattended.

  • Avoid carrying or holding your child when cooking on the stove .

  • Keep children away from hot foods and liquids as the steam or a splash could cause burns.

  • Do not leave the oven on if you are not home.

  • Use the back burners of the stove when you can and keep all pot handles facing away from the edge.

Fireworks Safety

More than 3,000 children under 15 are sent to the emergency room each year in the U.S. due to firework-related injuries.

  • The best way to prevent injury is to avoid lighting fireworks off on your own and to, instead, attend a local firework show.

  • Instead of letting the little ones hold sparklers, use glow sticks. Sparklers can get as hot as 1,200 degrees.

  • If lighting fireworks is legal in your area, be sure to have a bucket of water nearby at all times

    • Light only one at a time and if it does not ignite, pour water over it and dispose of it. Do not stand over or near it to try and light it again.

    • Point all fireworks away from homes and keep them away from flammable substances.

    • Never hold fireworks in your hand.

Halloween Safety

On Halloween night, children are twice as likely to be killed by a motor vehicle than any other night of the year.

 

  • Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.

  • Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.

  • Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

  • When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

  • Follow all other pedestrian safety rules.

Traveling Safety 

  • Hot foods and large gifts should be kept in the trunk to avoid the possibility of becoming a projectile if in a crash.

  • Be especially alert in busy parking lots where there may be distracted walkers and drivers.

  • If you plan to drink at a holiday party, designate a driver or use a car service.

  • Make sure everyone in the car is riding in the correct type of seat and is buckled up before driving.

  • Remind teens of safe driving habits during the holidays as driving can be a more challenging around the holiday season.

Decorating Safety

  • Place trees away from fireplaces and other heat sources. All decorations should be at least 3 feet away from open flames or heat sources

  • Check all lights for broken bulbs and frayed or exposed wires. If damaged, replace or fix prior to using. 

  • Turn off all decoration lights when you leave your home. 

  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets since they can overheat and cause a fire.

Shopping Cart Safety 

  • Use safety straps in shopping cart to secure your child

  • Make sure both legs are placed through leg openings

  • Ensure your child remains seated in the cart

  • Do not leave a child in a cart unattended 

  • If parts of the cart restraint system are broken or missing do not use the cart 

  • Do not place infant carriers on top of shopping carts 

  • Do not let children stand on the front, back or side of cart as their arms and legs could get pinched or caught 

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