Winter Holiday Safety Tips

How to keep your family safe when you decorate for the season

by BabyZone Editors

Decorations:

  • Use only noncombustible or flame-resistant materials. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals.
  • Never use lighted candles on a tree or near evergreens. Use nonflammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.
  • In homes with small children, avoid sharp or breakable decorations. Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of reach and avoid using those that resemble candy or food.
  • Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass "angel hair." Follow directions carefully while decorating with artificial snow sprays.

Fireplaces:

    >Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames. They cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children.
  • Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

For more information or to get a free brochure with more holiday decorating safety tips, please be sure to visit the CPSC website.

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