It’s a sad truth: the most wonderful time of year is often filled with chaos—frantically wrapping gifts, desperately trying to untangle lights, or last minute attempts to get batteries into presents—that can introduce the most unexpected hazards to your holiday season. Whether you’re trying to make sure your little one isn’t getting into the rum set aside for the eggnog or your toddler isn’t playing with a shiny, tiny “button” battery and swallowing it, these tips from California Poison Control System (CPCS) will keep you and your loved ones safe through the festive season.
“People are so busy getting ready for and celebrating the holiday season that they often don’t take precautions that can prevent accidents,” says Dr. Rais Vohra, Medical Director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS. “But unexpected hazards can be reduced or even eliminated by taking extra care.”
9 Tips to Help You and Your Family Stay Safe This Holiday Season
- Keep all batteries away from babies, children, and pets. Gifts that use “button” batteries are a particular hazard; if swallowed they can cause serious injury and are a potential choking threat.
- Prevent food poisoning and avoid cross-contamination by cleaning counters/cutting boards with hot soapy water in between recipes. Wash hands often with soap and water.
- Chocolate covered nuts and candies are small and hard enough to be a choking hazard for both children and adults. Chocolate is also toxic for pets, so keep it away from them.
- Alcohol poisoning is a serious emergency, so make sure alcohol is out of the reach of children.
- Be careful when decorating with tinsel and icicles—the sparkly material often entices kids and pets to ingest them. This can be deadly as it causes choking or creates obstructions.
- Don’t let babies or pets chew on foil and colored gift wrapping paper as these could contain lead.
- Bubble lights contain a small amount of methylene chloride (also found in paint removers). Nibbling on one can cause skin or mouth irritation.
- Children of all ages should be kept from marijuana (cannabis) exposure, either by breathing in secondhand smoke or eating foods containing marijuana (edibles).
- Vaping (e-cigarettes) are a special hazard for children. The colorful e-liquid is especially tempting and as little as one teaspoon can kill a child.
To learn about other unexpected holiday hazards, see this CPCS video and read tips on this CPCS webpage.
