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Nothing ruins a holiday faster than your child or pet getting sick or
injured due to decorations stemming from the very holiday you're
celebrating.
Each year hospital emergency personnel treat about 12,500 people for
holiday-related injuries from lights, decorations and Christmas trees,
according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The CPSC also reports 11,600 candle-related fires each year, resulting in
150 deaths, 1,200 injuries and $173 million in property loss annually.
Christmas trees are involved in about 300 fires annually and average more
than $10 million in property loss and damage.
While it is important to always snuff out your candles and turn off your
tree lights when you leave the room, there are other dangers that come with
the holiday, especially when it comes to children and pets.
Child safety expert Martin Simenc, president of Home Safety Services in
Redwood City, California, and a member of the International Association for
Child Safety, offers visitors of online information source Parentcenter.com
these tips:
Watch where you leave bowls of tiny pinecones or potpourri, wreaths,
ornaments, nativity scenes, and any other decorations with unsecured pieces
that can choke children. Keep candy-filled dishes on high tables or
counters. Clean up carefully when wrapping presents, because kids will be
attracted to scraps.
Strings of electric lights are dangerous because children can get wrapped
up in the wires and risk strangulation or even electrocution. Tinsel is just
as irresistible and dangerous. If you use strings or lights of any kind,
hang them high and keep your children away from the outlets.
If your tree isn't anchored securely to its stand, your child may reach
for a low-hanging bough and pull the whole thing down. Be sure decorative
items set out cannot be toppled by giving them a good "shake test."
Consider setting up your tree and other decorations outside the primary
play area and putting up a safety gate to block your child from entering the
room.
Although poinsettias are not poisonous to humans, consuming large amounts
can cause cramping and diarrhea.
Mistletoe, when ingested, will cause severe stomach cramps and diarrhea
and can even be fatal. If you decide to hang some over your doorway, make
sure it's well secured and won't be knocked to the floor where pets and
young children could happen upon it. Holly and pyracantha are toxic as well.
If you suspect poisoning from any plant source, contact your local poison
control center immediately.
Never place a heavy potted plant on a stand. Your curious tot could pull
it over.
You'll want to keep your pets safe, too.
"We see an increased number of calls related to pet poisoning during the
time between Thanksgiving and New Year's," said Dr. Steven Hansen, DVM,
director of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
The ASPCA's Poison Control Center says your pets should avoid the following
while you bake, consume, and decorate during the holidays:
Chocolate. Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity and increased
thirst, urination and heart rate can be seen with the ingestion.
Yeast dough. If ingested it can rise in the stomach and cause abdominal
pain, bloating, vomiting, disorientation, depression and alcohol poisoning.
Leftovers and garbage. Poultry bones can splinter and cause blockages.
Greasy, spicy and fatty or spoiled foods can cause stomach upset and moldy
foods could cause tremors or seizures.
Foil and cellophane. They can cause vomiting and intestinal blockage.
Plants. Should a pet eat mistletoe, they could suffer gastrointestinal
upset and cardiovascular problems. Holly can cause vomiting, nausea,
diarrhea and lethargy if ingested. Poinsettias, considered to be very low in
toxicity, could cause mild vomiting or nausea if ingested.
Christmas tree water. It may contain dangerous fertilizers, which if
ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can also act as a
breeding ground for bacteria, and if ingested could cause nausea and
diarrhea.
Tree decorations. If ingested, ribbons or tinsel can become lodged in the
intestines and cause obstructions. Glass ornaments can cut the tissues of
the gastrointestinal tract. Small, breakable ornaments and tinsel and
garland can get caught in throats. Pine needles can be toxic.
Electric cords. If chewed, they could electrocute your pet. Cover up or
hide the cords.
Medications. During the holidays, many veterinary clinics have limited
office hours and some pet owners may try to medicate their animals without
their veterinarian's advice. Never give your pet any medications unless
under the directions of a veterinarian.
Candles and potpourris. Lit candles produce fumes that can be harmful to
birds if inhaled. Your pet's tail can knock over a burning candle. Liquid
potpourri is also dangerous if ingested directly or by rubbing against leaky
units and grooming. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, call the
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) right away.
Here's to a safe, happy and healthy 2002 holiday season for your children
and pets!
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