Decking the halls: A danger to children

Lisa Carter and Lori Marques, The Paranoid Sisters

This time of year attention turns to toys, Santa and yummy treats. Often parents and caregivers give little thought to the dangers that lurk around the Christmas tree, in candy dishes and the luggage of visiting family and friends. The Paranoid Sisters, authors of Child Safety Made Easy, bring you a few safety tips for the holidays. Preventing holiday tragedy

Every year, thousands of children die in the US due to unintentional injury; on average, eight children between the ages of birth to five years die every day. Many injuries and accidents are preventable. This year when preparing your home for the holidays or when welcoming traveling visitors, be sure to keep these ideas in mind:

Trees and trimmings
Decorate your Christmas tree appropriately for your child's age. Children who are still "mouthing" items may put ornaments in their mouths. Put glass bulbs, lights, tinsel and ornaments that are delicate or have removable parts out of reach. Remember that popcorn is a choking hazard for children under age five.

Possibly place tree on top of a table no table cloth) or put a safety fence around it. Designate a responsible adult to unplug all lights before bed time or leaving the house. Also, make sure to blow out all candles.

Luggage
Have visitors put luggage and purses up high where they can't be reached. Often, grandparents carry medication in luggage; ask them to store it with your other medications (locked and out of reach).

Sweet treats
Hard candies and nuts which are often set out for visitors are also choking hazards for children under age five.

The kitchen
Holiday meal preparation needs special attention too. Designate one adult to keep all children out of the kitchen. With heavy and hot pots of water, knives and turkeys being moved around, this is not the place for a little one to be visiting. Many children suffer permanent scars from being burned with scalding water. Empty alcohol from abandoned glasses so little ones won't be tempted to drink from them. Check your fire extinguisher for proper functioning.