A Checklist for Avoiding Common Holiday Dangers (ZT)

December 21, 2006 08:55:29 AM PST

Yahoo! Health: Addiction News

THURSDAY, Dec. 21 (HealthDay News) -- It may not be glitzy or exciting, but safety is one of the best gifts you can give your children and the rest of your family this holiday season.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following safety tips:

• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant."
• If you prefer a real tree, make sure it's fresh and place it away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters. Keep it well watered.
• Don't use electric lights on a metallic tree. Faulty lights could charge the tree with electricity, and someone touching the tree could be electrocuted.
• In homes with small children, don't use tree decorations that are sharp or breakable. If decorations have small removable parts that can be inhaled or swallowed by children, make sure the decorations are placed out of reach of youngsters. Don't use any decorations that resemble candy or food.
• After the gifts are opened, remove all wrapping paper, bags, ribbons and bows, which can pose suffocation and choking hazards to young children.
• Before buying a toy or allowing your child to play with a new toy, parents should read the instructions.
• To prevent burns and electrical shocks, children younger than 10 should not play with toys that need to be plugged into an electrical outlet.
• Pull-toys with strings longer than 12 inches could pose a strangulation hazard for babies.
• Uninflated or broken balloons can pose a choking hazard for children younger than age 8.
• Keep hot liquids and foods away from the edges of counters and tables to keep them out of reach of young children.
• Clean up immediately after holiday parties. A toddler could get up early the next day and choke on leftover food or come in contact with alcohol or tobacco.
• Homes you visit may not be childproof. Keep an eye out for potential dangers.
• Traveling, visiting, shopping, opening presents and all the other busy holiday activities can increase a child's stress levels. Try to stick to your child's usual routines, including sleep schedules and nap times. This can help reduce stress and make the holidays more enjoyable for you and your child.
• Take care when using "fire salts" that produce colored flames when they're tossed on wood fires. These fire salts contain heavy metals that can cause gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children.
• Keep a laminated list of all emergency/important phone numbers that you or your babysitter may need. Include the police and the fire department, as well as the national Poison Help Line, 1-800-222-1222.

More information

The Nemours Foundation offers more tips for keeping children safe during the holidays.