Texoma Medical Center HealthNews
Texoma Medical Center HealthNews

Have a Happy (and Safe!) Holiday

'Tis the season for parents to be extra cautious about home safety. With the holidays, a variety of seasonal toys, decorations and other items enter the home and may present hazards to your family. Here are some ways to keep your loved ones safe.

Photo of a boyToying with Toys

  • Make sure toys are safe for little ones. Stay away from toys with sharp edges, cords or small parts. If a toy is tiny enough to fit through a toilet paper roll, it can cause choking. Remove strings and ribbons from toys before giving them to little ones to prevent strangulation.
  • Choose battery-operated toys, rather than toys that need an outlet, for kids under 10.
  • Only adults or older children should replace lightbulbs in toys to ensure proper wattage.
  • Teach older kids to keep their toys away from younger siblings.

Photo of a mother and daughter decoratingDecorations -- A Potential Danger

  • If you set up a Christmas tree, place it away from fireplaces and radiators. Keep live trees well watered so they don't become a fire hazard. Artificial trees should be fire resistant.
  • Avoid ornaments and decorations that resemble food or are breakable.
  • Use step stools, rather than chairs or other furniture, to hang decorations. String outdoor lights using hooks or insulated staples, not nails.
  • Used gift wrap may pose a choking or fire hazard. Make sure you clean up right after opening presents.