Holiday Season Safety

As temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, many families bring out seasonal decorations, light fireplaces, and spend more time indoors. While these traditions create warmth and excitement, they can also introduce safety risks, especially for children. Taking a few proactive steps can help ensure your home remains a safe and healthy place throughout the colder months.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas produced by fuel-burning appliances, including furnaces, heaters, fireplaces, gas stoves, generators, and vehicles. One of the most serious risks associated with carbon monoxide is that it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it nearly impossible to detect without a carbon monoxide detector.

While anyone can be affected by carbon monoxide exposure, children are particularly vulnerable. Because they are smaller and breathe faster, children may inhale more carbon monoxide relative to their body weight, increasing their risk for poisoning.

To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide exposure:

• Install battery-operated or battery-backed carbon monoxide detectors near every sleeping area in your home.

• Test detectors regularly to ensure they are working properly.

• Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by a qualified professional.

• Never use gas stoves or ovens as a source of home heating.

• Ensure fireplaces and wood stoves are inspected yearly and that flues are open and unobstructed before use.

• Use space heaters only as directed, keep them well-ventilated, and never place them under blankets or pillows.

• Never operate generators inside the home or garage, even with doors or windows open.

Fireplace Safety Tips

Fireplaces can be a cozy centerpiece during winter, but they require careful use to prevent burns, fires, and carbon monoxide exposure.

Keep these fireplace safety tips in mind:

• Use only dry, seasoned wood to reduce smoke and soot buildup.

• Always confirm that the flue is open and clear before lighting a fire.

• Consider cracking a window slightly while the fireplace is in use to improve ventilation.

• Install a sturdy safety screen or barrier, even if your fireplace has glass doors, to protect curious hands.

• Never leave a fire unattended, and ensure it is fully extinguished before going to bed or leaving the room.

Holiday-Specific Safety Considerations

Holiday decorations such as Christmas trees, candles, and string lights can add beauty to your home, but they also come with added risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a helpful video with practical tips for safely setting up holiday décor and reducing fire hazards.

Simple steps like securing trees, keeping candles out of reach, checking electrical cords, and supervising children around decorations can go a long way in preventing accidents.