Staying Safe During the Holidays
'Tis the season for parents to be extra cautious about home safety. During the holidays, many types of decorations, seasonal toys and other items enter the home and may present hazards to your family.
Toying with Toys
- Verify 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.
Decorations -- A Potential Danger
- If you set up a Christmas tree, place it away from fireplaces and radiators. Keep your live tree well watered so it doesn't become a fire hazard. Artificial trees should be fire resistant.
- Avoid ornaments and decorations that resemble food or are breakable.
- Use sturdy 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 fire hazard or a choking risk for little children. Clean up right after opening gifts.
- Lock matches and lighters in a high cabinet.
Did You Know?
The Maternal Center at Palmdale Regional Medical Center, scheduled to open in 2010, features many types of services for mothers and babies. These include:- A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- A 16-bed nursery
- A breastfeeding room
- Labor and delivery suites
- Breastfeeding pump rentals, prenatal education, baby bonding classes and other services
To learn more, please visit www.palmdaleregional.com.
