Evie's Desk: Tips for Parents to Ensure A Safe Holiday Season

With Christmas trees twinkling and candles aglow, our homes will soon be looking festive for the holidays. But all these lovely decorations can create safety hazards, especially for young children.

Here are some tips for ensuring that your home is safe for the little ones:

On your tree, avoid hanging ornaments that are fragile or that have small detachable parts on the lower branches where young children can reach them.

Place trees and other greenery away from fireplaces and radiators.  Remember to water your tree regularly to prevent it from drying out, which could make it more likely to catch on fire.

Keep burning candles out of children's reach and keep matches and lighters locked away. 
Do not place lit candles near drapes or decorations.  Blow out all candles before going to bed or when you are leaving the house.

This is a joyful time of year that should be spent with family and friends in the comfort of your home, safe and sound.  For more tips on holiday fire safety, click here.

Evelyn V. Martinez
Executive Director
First 5 LA