Tips for Keeping Your Home and Family Safe Through the Holidays

The holidays mean that it's time to get together with family and friends to celebrate and enjoy the season. Unfortunately, it is also the busiest time of year for hospital emergency rooms, the fire department and police. Following simple safety practices and knowing how to protect your family can prevent a wonderful time of year from turning into a disaster. Prepare your family with these few simple tips.

Many accidents and fires occur in homes during the holidays. When purchasing a tree, buy the one that loses little or no needles when shaken. The fresher the tree, the least likely it is to burn. If you buy an artificial tree, make sure that it is labeled flame retardant. Be sure that you have the right size stand to support the tree, to prevent it from tipping. Check all the wiring around and on the tree to be sure there are no exposed wires. Last but not least, be sure to place your tree away from fireplaces, heaters and candles. Remember, your gifts under the tree can catch fire as well as the tree itself!

Decorations in your home and yard can be hazardous as well. Beware of sharp objects and items that have small pieces that can choke a child. Check all electrical wiring and outlets. Do not over load circuits or have too many items plugged into a single outlet, and make sure the wiring and outlets are not accessible to small children

Emergency rooms see a lot of poisonings at this time of year. Many plants associated with the holidays are poisonous, and they are especially so to children and pets. Mistletoe, poinsettias and holly berries are all hazardous. Keep them out of reach from little hands and curious pets! Keep an eye on items like pinecones and garlands with berries, as these also pose a choking hazard.

Safe handling of food is important in order to prevent food poisoning. Keep food refrigerated until it is to be served, and avoid leaving food sit out for very long. Proper preparation, including having a clean work surface and utensils, will help prevent illnesses. Make sure that your favorite holiday dishes are prepared to the right temperature and thoroughly cooked. Investing in a meat thermometer is a wise decision that will ensure your turkey is perfect cooked for your guests.

Alcohol poisoning is very dangerous. Cocktail parties abound this time of year, so it's important to be a responsible host/hostess and prevent any accidents. Children do not need much alcohol at all in order to become very sick, so be especially cautious of half empty cocktails left sitting in reach of small children. As an ounce of prevention, do not ask children to make or retrieve drinks for the adults. Assist your adult guests as well by making sure no one is over served and that plenty of food is provided. If your guest is unable to drive call them a cab or offer them a bed to sleep in! In any of the above poisoning situations, call 911 and they will contact poison control and get the person to the hospital.

The holidays are a time of joy, sharing, giving and love. Protecting our families is always important, but especially so at this time of year. Following proper safety practices, being cautious when dealing with fire or electrical wiring and knowing how to prevent accidents can give your family a safe and happy holiday season!