The holidays can be a busy and joyful time, but decorations and new toys that add to the festive mood can also present their share of risks. Stay safe by knowing how to manage the health and safety risks associated with the holiday items you bring home. Reduce your risk by following the safety tips presented on this page.
Christmas trees
Before buying a natural tree, make sure it is fresh (the needles don’t tear off easily from the branches). Water the tree daily once you have it indoors for decoration.
Set up the tree away from high traffic areas and doorways and hold it securely in place with a tripod.
Place the tree away from heating ducts, radiators, stoves, fireplaces and lighted candles.
Keep sharp, breakable and metal Christmas tree decorations that have small removable parts out of the reach of children.
Remove the tree as soon as the holidays are over or its needles begin to drop. Dispose of your tree according to local regulations (most municipalities have tree recycling programs).
Christmas lights and decorations
Use lights bearing the mark of a recognized certification body, such as CSA, cUL or cETL. Before buying or using Christmas lights or decorations, check Recalls and Safety Alerts on the Healthy Canadians site for the latest recalls. String lights and other decorations are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Use interior lights and decorations indoors only. Read the instructions on the package and do not exceed the recommended power (watts).
Check each bulb before installing the light string and be sure to replace any that are broken or burned out with those recommended by the manufacturer.
Check string lights and extension cords. Discard any wires that are damaged, have exposed wiring, or have loose fittings, and any sockets that are damaged.
Never place electrical cords or extension cords along doors or in door frames where they could be crushed or cause someone to trip. Also, don’t place them under carpets, where they could be damaged or overheat.
Don’t plug too many string lights or decorations into one outlet.
Use outlets equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to make your connections outside.
Turn off the Christmas lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
Keep “bubble lights” out of the reach of children – they contain a dangerous chemical that can cause irritation or burns if the bulb breaks.
Choose sparklers, icicles and other decorations made from lead-free plastic or metal. Do not let children put decorations in their mouths, as they can be harmful to health.
Toys and gifts
For many children, new toys and gifts are the highlight of the holiday season. Minimize the risk as much as possible by buying sturdy, well-made toys that are appropriate for your child’s age. Toys intended for older children may have small parts or other features that make them dangerous for younger children.
Toys may be recalled by the manufacturer for health or safety reasons. Check the Healthy Canadians Recalls and Safety Alerts Database for the latest recalls.
Toy Safety Tips
Read and follow the age indicated on the labels, warnings, safety tips and other instructions that come with the toy. If you have any concerns, find the contact details of the manufacturer or importer.
Immediately dispose of all toy packaging, such as plastic bags and wraps, foam, pins and ties. Children may be at risk of choking or strangulation on these items.
Supervise children when they play and show them how to use toys safely.
– At game time . This guide teaches parents and caregivers how to keep children safe inside and outside the home. It also offers tips for making safer choices when choosing and using toys or other children’s products.
