Christmas is almost here, but with the holidays season comes an increased danger of fire and accidents in the home. Lieutenant Gary Pyszka from the Mountain Home Fire Department and Mandy Pender and Phillipa Arnold, trauma nurses at Baxter Regional Medical Center say a few precautions can make the holidays safe and fun.
The Christmas Tree is a tradition in most homes and many folks like to have a live tree. Pyszka says when choosing a tree, make sure it is as fresh as possible, with needles that bend but do not break and give it a fresh cut at the base, says Pyszka.
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Artificial trees, especially pre-lite trees, which are usually fire retardant, are very popular, but they can catch fire.
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Pyszka also advises to turn Christmas trees off before leaving the house or going to bed at night.
He says when decorating with candles, make sure they are clear of anything that could catch fire and not to leaving them unattended.
Decorations on fire place mantles, especially hanging stockings, should be clear of the flames in the fireplace.
The kitchen is one of the favorite places for folks to gather during the kitchen. Pender says be careful of children and pets.
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Deep frying turkey is popular and needs to be done with care, says Arnold, not in a house or garage.
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If someone gets a burn, Pender says do not apply ice, but cool water and keep it dry. A more serious burn needs immediate medical attention.
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Children are always excited and anxious to play with their new toys.
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Riding toys should be kept away from stairs, says Pender and make sure toy batteries are secure and changed by an adults.
Finally, Pender and Arnold as well as local law enforcement officers remind everyone when traveling by vehicle, to wear seat belts, make sure children are secure in a car seat and texting or talking on a phone is dangerous when driving. And, when drinking, make sure there is a sober designated driver.
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