As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of celebrations and festivities. However, it’s crucial to remember that holiday decorations, gifts, and activities can also pose safety risks, especially for children and pets. The following safety tips will help keep your home safe and ensure a worry-free holiday season for you and your family.
Toys:
While Canada regulates the safety of toys, not all toys are created equal. Some unsafe toys can still make their way onto store shelves or into homes, often as a result of online purchases. Toys that are poorly manufactured or counterfeit may present hidden dangers.
When shopping for toys, opt for sturdy, well-made products that feature the manufacturer’s contact information. Always read and follow the recommended age labels and safety messages. Toys designed for older children may contain small parts or other features that pose risks to younger children. Keep small toys and accessories, such as batteries, out of the reach of children under three years of age to avoid the choking hazard.
Batteries:
Small batteries, particularly button batteries, are commonly found in many holiday gifts and decorations. They can be a serious hazard if swallowed by children. Ingesting a button battery can cause severe internal chemical burns within just two hours, leading to permanent damage or even death.
To keep children safe, try to avoid purchasing gifts or decorations that contain button batteries. Carefully inspect items in your home, such as toys, watches, or decorations, that may contain these batteries. Ensure battery compartments are secure and out of reach of young children, and always check that batteries are properly installed by an adult. If a child swallows a battery, seek medical attention immediately.
Holiday Trees:
Live holiday trees, while beautiful, can pose significant fire risks if not properly cared for. Keep trees away from heat sources such as heating vents, radiators, stoves, fireplaces, and burning candles. Always choose a fresh tree that is green, with needles that do not fall off easily. Be sure to water the tree regularly to prevent it from drying out too quickly. Dispose of the tree as per your municipality’s rules after the holidays or when it becomes dry.
Candles:
Candles add a warm, inviting atmosphere to holiday celebrations, but they can also pose a serious fire hazard if used carelessly. Never leave a burning candle unattended and always extinguish all candles before going to bed or leaving the room. Ensure that candles are placed on sturdy, heat-resistant surfaces and away from anything that could catch fire, such as curtains, bedding, or decorative materials. A good trick is to cut your candle wicks short to prevent high flames.
Holiday Lights:
Decorating your home with holiday lights is a festive tradition, but safety should always come first. To minimize fire hazards, only use lights that bear the mark of an accredited certification agency in Canada, such as CSA, cUL, or cETL. Be mindful of whether the lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use and select them accordingly.
Inspect light strings for frayed wires, exposed wiring, loose connections, or broken light sockets, and discard any defective lights. Avoid overloading electrical outlets by plugging in too many light strands, as overloaded circuits can overheat and start a fire.
The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy and celebration, but safety should never be overlooked. By following these simple yet important safety tips, you can protect your family from potential dangers and ensure a happy, healthy, and stress-free holiday season.
Stay safe and enjoy the holiday festivities!