Deck the halls with

boughs of holly

Falalalalalalalala

If you eat this plant,

it won’t be jolly

Falalalalalalalala

–

Yes, it’s holiday season once again, and what better time to remind everyone of some simple things you can do to keep you and your children safe and sound.

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Tree safety

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– If you have a tree, secure it well to keep it from tipping.

– If it is a live tree, make sure it’s fresh, green, well-watered, and that the needles are hard to pull off.

– The drier the tree, the more of a fire hazard it is so keep it away from floor heaters, fireplaces, or other heat sources.

– If it is an artificial tree, make sure it is fire resistant.

Lights

– Keep no more than three strands of lights linked together on an extension cord and never use electric lights on a metal tree.

– Don’t forget to inspect those light strings each year for frayed cords, broken sockets, or loose connections.

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Decorations and small objects

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– Keep the small bulbs and ornaments as well as tinsel high up in the tree so smaller children don’t try to eat these things and choke.

– Tinsel and other trimmings should be lead-free, so check the label when you are buying your decorations.

– Small button batteries and tiny magnets can also be harmful if swallowed so keep those away from younger children as well.

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Candles

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– If there are children in the home, avoid candles or at least keep out of reach of small children.

– Turn off all lights and blow out all candles when you sleep or leave the house to avoid a potential fire hazard.

– Make sure your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors are working and if you have a chimney — make sure you have it cleaned yearly.

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Holiday plants

–

– Most holiday plants are safe, but remember that mistletoe and holly berries eaten in excess can be dangerous.

– If your child does snack on a holiday plant, you can always call the Northern New England Poison Center at (800) 222-1222.

To wrap up — (to the tune of the Dreidel Song!)

I hope that with this

safety knowledge

You will not flip your lids

This is pediatrician Dr. Lewis First

Hoping you’ll be First with Kids!

Lewis First, MD, is Chief of Pediatrics at The University of Vermont Children’s Hospital and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine. You can also catch “First with Kids” weekly on WOKO 98.9FM and NBC5.