Monday, December 15, 2008

Holiday Safety for Children and Pets

The holidays are a tempting time for the little ones in your house — all those interesting new things to touch and taste. That's why it's important to take extra precautions.

  • Avoid putting tinsel or popcorn on your tree — it looks fun to eat.
  • Don't leave edible gifts under the tree, where they are easy for pets to discover.
  • Place small breakable ornaments high on the tree, out of reach
  • Don't put edible gifts in stockings near a fireplace — that's a disaster waiting to happen.
  • Mistletoe and holly are toxic, so find a safe substitute.
  • When opening gifts, dispose of plastic wrapping, bows and ribbons quickly — they too look like they would be fun to eat.
  • Don't throw wrappings or packaging into the fireplace — some of it burns very rapidly, almost explosively — same goes for Christmas tree branches.
  • Place candles out of reach and away from combustibles. Extinguish them when they are unattended and remember— hot wax burns.
  • Don't let your pets drink the water the tree is sitting in.
  • Don't feed pets chocolate, candies or cookies.

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