Tips to stay safe around the holidays

We are paging Dr. Paul this morning with his top Christmas safety tips.

The holiday season is underway, and the last thing most people want this time of year is a trip to the emergency room.

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit CEO and medical officer of health Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, A.K.A. Dr. Paul, joined CTV Your Morning Ottawa on Wednesday to highlight some holiday safety hazards.

Around the tree

Dr. Paul says those who have children in the house or who plan to host children around the holidays, should be mindful of their Christmas tree placement and decoration.

As Dr. Paul explains, the ornaments and lights on a tree will often attract the attention of young ones. So, the medical officer of health suggests securing your tree or keeping it in a blocked off area to ensure children don’t accidentally pull it over.

Christmas tree ornaments can be dangerous for other reasons, Dr. Paul says.

For instance, young ones might chew through wired lighting, leading to electrocution. Likewise, small ornaments can be choking hazards, and, if broken, glass and plastic ornaments could cut a child.

When it comes to gifts, Dr. Paul also says to be mindful of choking hazards like tinsel or bows, and he says to avoid disposing gift-wrapping in the fireplace.

“Toxic fumes come off,” Dr. Paul said. “You should not be doing that because there’s a lot of paint on these things.”

Around your home

To avoid burns or other fire-related hazards, Dr. Paul recommends opting for electric candles instead of traditional ones over the holidays.

If you still choose to use a candle with a wick, Dr. Paul says to always monitor children around the flame and extinguish the fire before sleeping.

While many people bring festive plants like poinsettias and mistletoes into their homes around the holidays, some plants have parts that can be hazardous if swallowed and toxic if eaten.

“Children can choke on the leaves; choke on the seeds as well,” Dr. Paul said.

At the party

Parents with young children should be mindful of food items at parties, especially if there is a buffet, Dr. Paul says. Items like peanuts, olive pits and toothpicks can all be choking hazards.

Dr. Paul also says children should be monitored around alcoholic beverages to ensure they don’t accidentally drink anything.

“We’ve seen kids inadvertently grab a drink that was left half full, drink half a glass of gin, for example, and then end up in the hospital,” he said.

For parents who are hosting holiday gatherings, Dr. Paul says to do a quick cleanup of the party before going to bed so that children who wake up early don’t get their hands on anything that could be dangerous.

Lastly, those drinking during the holidays should never drink and drive, Dr. Paul says. For hosts who are offering alcohol, ensure you have non-alcoholic options as well as food to serve alongside drinks.

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