Keeping it safe during the holidays

Prevent cats from ingesting pine needles and other plants.

Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year, but danger doesn’t choose a season. Amid the festive decorations and the elaborate setups, make sure you’re not turning your home into an inconspicuous house of horrors.

Here are some of the most common Christmas decors that might endanger your loved ones if not used properly.

Christmas lights

This is usually the first thing that comes to mind when you talk about fires during Christmas. If the lights are poor in quality, they may cause short circuits and electrical fires. They can also be chewing and strangling hazards to pets and little children.

Stay safe by buying and using certified Christmas lights. Choose ones that bear an Import Commodity Clearance sticker or the Philippine Standard mark to ensure that the lights have been screened by the Department of Trade and Industry. Also, make sure that you do not overwhelm your electrical circuits with too many lights.

Lastly, hang Christmas lights above the reach of curious hands and paws.

Candles

Do not leave lighted candles unattended.

Although candles may seem romantic for their old-school charm, they also pose a greater danger as they bear fire. When lighting candles during Christmas prayers and other activities, ensure the fire is never left unattended. Keep these away from fabrics, organic material and other stuff that might easily catch fire.

A better alternative would be to use electric candles or battery-operated ones instead. They look like the real thing, but they’re safer and reusable too.

Tinsel decorations

Do you have those sparkly, synthetic cords wrapping your Christmas tree or your stair handrails?

While they are pretty to look at, they are some of the most hazardous decorations for animals and kids. If accidentally ingested, they can cause vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, dehydration and abdominal pain. In some extreme cases, they can even prove fatal. To avoid any accidents, secure tinsel cords when wrapped around furniture and other items. Make sure they cannot be detached by curious kids and pets, especially cats. Better yet, use ribbons instead to decorate your home.

Christmas trees

A home without a Christmas tree is perhaps the most somber place to be during Christmas in the Philippines. Whether real or synthetic, it’s best to take precautions when installing one inside your home. Do not allow your children or pets to linger around trees. If loaded heavily with ornaments, these can easily fall down. Pine needles are also dangerous when ingested as they can cause choking. Turn off Christmas lights before going to bed and never use real candles on the trees.

Breakable ornaments

Glass and ceramic baubles can easily break into deadly shards. Avoid hanging these on Christmas trees or suspending them from the ceiling.

In addition, take extra caution with snow globes. They may contain anti-freeze which is toxic when ingested. Keep breakable items far from the reach of kids and pets by placing them at the center of the table. Use plastic or soft ornaments instead if you have kids or pets frequently running around the house during holidays.

Decorative plants

Plants such as poinsettia, Christmas rose, English ivy, holly and mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal problems when accidentally ingested. They can also cause breathing problems when inhaled or even seizures when taken in large amounts. Keep these away from kids and pets. Pick up leaves that fall to the floor and at best, place them outside your home.

These facts might seem frightening, but don’t be afraid to decorate your homes to celebrate the Christmas cheer.

What is important is that you put up ornaments with the safety of your family in mind. By ensuring their well-being, you can be sure that your holiday celebrations would go smoothly and would not warrant a trip to the hospital.

At the end of the day, remember that the true spirit of Christmas lies in love, family and thanksgiving. These are the essential things you have to fill your house with during this season, and thankfully, they are healthy for your heart.

Sources: kidshealth.org, www.familychristmasonline.com, topdogtips.com, Adrianna Calvo via pexels.com, Mareefe via pixabay.com