Day 70: Christmas safety tips

My Project: 365 Creative Writing Prompts

Day 70: Christmas safety tips

It’s the season to be jolly, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. By paying attention and as such preventing hazards with Christmas trees and decorations, you might save yourself a rush visit to the hospital or veterinary clinic during the celebrations.

Candles

Candles are perfect to create atmosphere and a sweet aroma, but they are also huge fire hazards. To avoid accidents keep lighted candles away from the Christmas tree or decorative tree branches.  Place candles in a spacious area, on a flat hard surface in non-flammable candle holders.

Open Fire

Before making use of the fireplace, check the flue.  Checking the flue should be done annually to prevent chimney fires. Before lighting a fire be sure that all flammable materials such as wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, tinsel and chemicals are well away from the fireplace. To keep children and pets safe it is recommended to make use of a fireplace screen.  

Tree

Place the Christmas tree out of harm’s way. Preferably in a corner where it can’t be knocked down by children 

or pets. Be sure that the tree has a sturdy base so that it doesn’t fall over. If you have a real tree, keep it watered. Prep your tree by cutting or drilling a hole into the trunk, this will make for easy water absorption. Do not place your tree near a fireplace.

Christmas lights

Christmas lights should be checked before placing in the tree. The wire should not be frayed and no wires should be exposed. Sockets should be in perfect condition. If you see any damage, throw the lights out. Indoor lights should never be used outdoors and neither should outdoor lights be used indoors. Use a sturdy stepladder or chair to place the lights in the tree.

Tree Decorations  

If you have small children or pets, give preference to plastic decorations over glass ones. Accidents happen and it’s easy to miss a fragment of glass from a broken Christmas ball on the floor or carpet.  Should a child running barefoot or a pet step into such a fragment this will require a trip to the doctor or vet.
Give preference to pearls or a satin ribbon over tinsel to decorate the tree. In your absence, a pet may get curious about the shiny object, chew on it and choke.

Accidents happen all the time and bitter tears are shed afterward while people exclaim ‘If only I’d know’.  Don’t become one of them.  Think about what can happen and act responsibly.

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