Holiday decorating, visiting, and cooking can distract from child safety. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when celebrating with family and friends this holiday season.
- Guest purses, coats, and suitcases – Keep them well out of reach of kids. They might contain tobacco or medications.
- Abandoned wine and cocktail glasses – Keep an eye on small children during parties and clear beverage glasses frequently.
- Glass ornaments – Eye-catching ornaments used to identify glasses can be choking hazards if in the hands of small children.
- Extra alcohol and bar supplies – Don’t keep them under tables or on the floor in easy reach of children
- Ornaments and wrappings - Antique or foreign-produced ornaments may contain lead-based paint. Most wrapping paper and ribbons are nontoxic, but foil, colored gift wrap, icicles and tinsel also may contain lead or tin.
- Keep holiday plants out of reach - Dangerous holiday plants include: holly and mistletoe berries, azaleas, Christmas rose, jimson weed, For additional poisonous plant information, visit: www.calpoison.org
- Christmas tree stability - Check your tree to make sure it is secure and balanced.
- Tree preservative - Check your tree preservative - some contain aspirin or bleach and can be potentially harmful if swallowed. Candles & matches - Never leave candles unattended and store matches out of reach.
- Leftovers - Refrigerate leftovers at 40°F or below as soon as possible to prevent food poisoning.
- Pre-prepared child snacks and meals - When entertaining – child meals that are prepared in advance make feeding your child quick, easy and less of a distraction.
- Poison resources: The California Poison Control System (CPCS) provides immediate, expert treatment advice over the telephone in case of exposure to poisonous or toxic substances. (800) 222-1222
