It’s easy to forget about safety this time of year. Everyone is in a happy-go-lucky mood and enjoying all the festivities and parties. People’s minds are on great food, yummy treats, presents, decorating, family and friends. The idea of “safety” tends to get pushed on the “back burner” (no pun intended). Sadly this time of year presents it’s own set of safety hazards. Christmas trees are especially dangerous if you are not careful.
Some safety tips to keep in mind…
– Christmas trees account for about 200 fires annually, resulting in six deaths, 25 injuries and more than $6 million in property damage, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Keep trees away from heat sources such as radiators and fireplaces. If you have a real tree make sure it’s kept hydrated. You should also dispose of your tree promptly after the holiday before it gets too dried out.
– Double check Christmas lights, both for your tree and your home, to make sure there are no exposed or faulty wires that could catch fire.
– Keep candles away from children and pets. Make sure they are on a flat surface and NEVER leave them unattended, even for just a moment. Faux or flameless candles are a safer option.
– Be extra careful opening “clam shell” packaging that most products come in. You can give yourself a dangerously deep cut if you are not careful. Over 6,000 people end up in the emergency room from cutting themselves on the packaging. Consider purchasing a clam shell opener. Seriously, whose bright idea for clam sell packaging? I for one hate it! Give me back cardboard boxes and twisty ties any day over clam shell packaging.
There are so many more useful safety tips found at http://www.safetyathome.com. There you and can learn how to have a safe and bright holiday season.
The site offers informative tips, articles, quizzes, videos, a blog, a Bright Holiday Moments contest (with a $10,000 grand prize pack), and even links to Facebook and Twitter channels. It’s a fully-integrated resource portal to help you and your family stay safe this holiday season.
With the bustle of the holiday season upon us, it can be easy to forget the importance of holiday safety and the ways each of us can help protect our loved ones from common holiday hazards. Safety At Home was designed to help keep safety top of mind while also making it fun.
Take a look around the site and also explore other useful links:
The Bright Holiday Moments Contest:
Safety At Home on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/safetyathome
Safety At Home on Twitter: http://twitter.com/safetyathome
Safety At Home on YouTube (featuring celebrity mom Keri Russell): http://www.youtube.com/safetyathome
Holiday eCards to share with family and friends: http://safetyathome.com/holiday-safety/holiday-ecards/?fbid=5NxhHIv2REx
*I was not compensated in any way for this post. I posted this information for the benefit of my readers.