Getting ready to deck the halls? Before you bring out the decorations and put up the tree, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit reminds you to be aware and stay safe.

PHOTO CREDIT - Eastern Ontario Health Unit

Cornwall - November 23, 2011 - Getting ready to deck the halls? Before you bring out the decorations and put up the tree, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit reminds you to be aware and stay safe.

Each year, hospital emergency rooms treat people for burns, shocks, choking incidents, and accidental poisonings. Fortunately - these holiday-related injuries are preventable. Here are some tips to help you keep your holidays merry and safe.

Holiday Tree
- Keep your tree secured in sturdy tree stand, and make sure it’s placed away from heating vents, stoves, fireplaces and candles. Water real trees daily.
- If you have small children, choose decorations that don’t break easily, are lead-free, and don’t have sharp edges or small removable parts.

Holiday Lights
- Use only lights that are certified by CSA, ULC or cUL to decorate your home.
- Never overload electrical outlets or extension cords. Use more than one outlet if the wattage of your lights is more than the outlet can handle. Periodically check extension cords – they shouldn’t be warm to the touch. Never run them through doorways or under carpets.
- Turn off all holiday lights before you go to bed or leave your home.

Candles
- Always keep lighters and matches out of reach of small children.
- Cut candlewicks short to prevent a high flame, and use sturdy candleholders that won’t tip over easily.
- Keep burning candles away from children, pets, trees and decorations.
- Never leave them unattended.

Toys and Gifts
- When buying for a child, be sure to choose only toys suitable for the child’s age group. Any batteries should be properly installed and not accessible to the child.
- Keep toys belonging to older kids out of the reach of young children.
- Dispose of packing materials that can be choking hazards, such as Styrofoam pellets or plastic bags.

For more tips on how to prevent injuries, visit the Eastern Ontario Health Unit's website. You can also call 613-933-1375 or 1 800 267-7120 and ask for Health Line.