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Holiday Safety Advice from Safe Kids

Safe Kids’ list of holiday safety tips is useful for anyone who has kids, will be hosting young visitors over the holidays or who is buying gifts for children this year.  Many tips are good for folks without kids as well, including those that pertain to tree, light and candle safety. Below are some reminders that will help you and your family enjoy a happier, safer holiday season. Read more directly from Safe Kids.

Tree Decorating – Move breakable ornaments or ornaments with metal hooks to the top of the tree, out of reach for little hands.

Watering the Tree – Water your tree regularly to ensure it does not dry out and become a fire hazard.

Holiday Lights – Inspect your strings of lights closely, and discard any that have exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or broken sockets.

Candles & Matches – Use extreme caution with lit candles, and be sure to blow them out before leaving home. Keep lit candles and matches out of reach for kids!

Toys for Children – Beware of small parts and choking hazards. Read all instructions and warning lables closely.

Button Batteries – Remember that these small batteries are sometimes included in electronic toys and can be a danger for young children.

Helmets – When giving a child a bike, skateboard, scooter, etc., remember to include a helmet along with it.

Safety in the Kitchen – When cooking or baking for the holidays, or any time of year, use the back burners on your stove and turn handles away from the edge. Also, teach older children about safety in the kitchen, including using oven mitts and potholders.

Check Your Car Seat Before Holiday Travel – Ensure your child’s car seat is correctly installed and that it meets all current safety standards. Review this car seat checklist .

Have a Strategy when on the Road – Have a plan for exiting the road safely to feed or change your child. Don’t worry about making good time to your destination.

This safety advice is courtesy of Safe Kids Worldwide.  For more information, visit www.safekids.org.

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