Safety for the Holidays

Why is holiday safety so important?

• Decorations are not used and checked for damage/wear and tear on a regular basis

• More visitors in the home, especially children and older people

• Schedules are more hectic and most people are preoccupied with family events

We’re Checking the List Twice...

• Electrical outlets and safety caps

• Extension cords - the right stuff

• Overloading• Electric lights vs the

metal Christmas tree!• Appliance cords

Guess What’s Cooking in the Kitchen?

• Cooking with the right stuff

• Pots and pans on the stove

• Storing and handling glassware and flatware

• Dishwashers• Cleaning products

Kids and Holiday Cooking

• Supervision• Limit the number of

people and tasks• Tasks assignment

based on age and motor skills

The Dining Room

• Table cloths and runners

• Flower arrangements• Candles• Crystal and china• Hot food on the table• Pass the plate

The Living Room

• Most decorated room• Fireplaces• Utensils• Matches• Holiday rugs

The Tree

• Placement of the tree inside the room

• Keeping the tree fresh• Artificial trees• Securing the tree from

tipping over & traffic• Decorating the tree

safely

The Stairways

• Securing items• Functional handrails

especially for seniors, physically challenged, and children

• Trip hazards

Christmas Wreaths

• Various materials• Choking hazards for

children• Toxic for children and

pets• Infestations• Flammability

The Bathroom

• Slipping and sliding in the tub

• Hot water temperatures

• Bathroom rugs• Electrical appliances• Storing items in the

medicine cabinet

Pets That Live in the House

• They are usually fascinated by the decorations.

• Hanging strings, cords, sashes, etc.

• Flashing lights• Tree decorations such

as doves, angels, etc.• Candles

Pets as Gifts

• Puppies and kittens require attention

• Easily excited about activities in the house

• Not accustomed to children

• The party animal

The Outside

• Types of lights• Extension cords• Waterproofing• Equipment needed for

setting up decorations NOT including metal ladders

The Outside Continued

• Placement of wires especially around doors, walkways, and driveways

• Animals, children, and the mailman

Words on Toy Selection

• Age appropriate• Motor skills of the

child• Design and

construction of the toy• Toy supervision

Shopping for Christmas

• Tips for safe shopping• Accidents due to haste• Theft from

automobiles• Children, physically

challenged, and seniors usually don’t survive marathon shopping

Can You Identify the Hazards???• Number 1.

Another Hazard?• Number 2.

Another Hazard

• Number 3

And Another Hazard!

• Number 4

More Hazards!

• Number 5

More Hazards???

• Number 6

It’s Beginning to Look Like ...

• Number 7

The Safety Office wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy New

Year