Submitted by Mr. Breeden
Holiday Season Safety
Did you know?
Never use lighted candles near trees, boughs, curtains/drapes, or with any potentially flammable item.
Source: nsc.org
The National Safety Council offers these suggestions to help make your holiday season merry and safe.
Decorations
Wear gloves while decorating with spun glass angel hair (a tinsel-like decoration used for a glow effect). It can irritate your eyes and skin.
A common substitute is non-flammable cotton. Both angel hair and cotton snow are flame retardant when used alone. However, if artificial snow is sprayed onto them the dried combination will burn rapidly. Also, when spraying artificial snow on windows or other surfaces, be sure to follow directions carefully. These sprays can irritate your lungs if you inhale them, so wearing a filter mask over your nose and mouth may help.
Disposing of Decorations
Do not burn evergreens or wreaths in a fireplace or in a wood stove to dispose of them. They are likely to flare out of control and send flames and smoke into the room. Also, do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace because it often contains metallic materials that can become toxic when burned.
Toys and Gifts
Be especially careful when you choose toys for infants or small children. Avoid giving gifts with small parts that could to get caught in a child's throat, nose or ears. Also avoid toys with parts that can be pulled or broken off. If you are giving toys to several children in one family, consider their age differences and the chances that younger children will want to play with older kids' toys. When selecting gifts for older adults, avoid items that are too heavy or awkward to handle. For persons with arthritis, make sure the gift does not require assembly and can be easily opened and closed.
Choose books with large type for anyone with vision impairment.
Holiday Plants
Small children may think that holiday plants look good enough to eat. But many plants can cause severe stomach problems. Plants to watch out for include: mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis. Keep all of these plants out of children's reach.
Food and Cooking
The holidays often mean preparing large meals for family and friends. Wash hands, utensils, sink, and anything else that comes into contact with raw poultry. Keep in mind that a stuffed bird takes longer to cook. For questions concerning holiday turkey preparation and cooking call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555.
Alcohol, Parties and Driving
Being a smart party host or guest should include being sensible about alcoholic drinks. More than half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol related. Use designated drivers (people who did not drink alcohol) to drive other guests home after a holiday party.
Stress
The holiday season is one of the most stressful times of the year. You can't avoid stress completely, but you can give yourself some relief. Allow enough time to shop rather than hurry through stores and parking lots. Only plan to do a reasonable number of errands. Finally, take time out for yourself. Relax, read or enjoy your favorite hobby at your own pace.
