Put safety at the top of your holiday list

Trees pose a fire hazard that leads to 400 residential fires and nearly 40 deaths and 100 injuries each year.

• When choosing a real tree, find one that is fresh, green and has a trunk sticky with resin. Place the tree in a sturdy stand that holds water to keep it from drying out quickly, and keep the stand filled. Cut a few inches of trunk off the tree to expose fresh wood to allow better water absorption. Keep the tree far from fireplaces, radiators and portable heaters.

• Make sure the tree does not get in the way of doorways.

• Choose artificial trees labeled “fire resistant.”

To prevent electrocution or shock:

• use indoor and outdoor lights in their specified locations;

• string lights with insulated staples or hooks, not with nails or tacks;

• never pull lights to remove them;

• never use electric lights on a metallic tree;

• turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house; and

• check sockets, wires and connections, and replace or repair any damaged items.

Ornaments can pose a choking hazard.

• Avoid placing breakable ornaments or those with small or sharp parts in places where small children can reach them.

• Avoid trimmings that resemble edible items when small children are present,because they may be tempted to eat them.

• Remove all gift-wrap items from near the fireplace and tree after opening gifts.

• Never use lighted candles near trees or other evergreens.

• Always use non-flammable candle-holders.

• Put candles in places where they will not be knocked down.

Many holiday plants can cause severe stomach problems if eaten. These include: mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis. Keep dangerous plants out of children's reach and away from pets.

Spun glass “angel hair” can irritate eyes and skin; use gloves when handling.

Artificial snow sprays can irritate lungs if inhaled, so be sure to follow instructions.

• Select toys appropriate for child's age, skills and interests.

• Read instructions carefully before allowing children to play with toys.

• Do not give children under age 10 toys that need to be plugged in. Instead give battery-operated items.

• Children under 3 can choke on small parts; follow government regulations on gifts for these children.

• Children under age 8 can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons.

• Watch for toys with strings longer than 12 inches; they can pose a strangulation hazard for babies.

• Make sure the flue is open and remove nearby decorations before lighting.

• Fire salts that produce colored flames can cause gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if ingested. Keep away from children.

• Do not burn wrapping paper.

• Fully cook meats, and thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables.

• Keep hot items away from table edges.

• Wash children's and your own hands frequently.

• Wash spoons used to taste food before putting them into food again.

• Keep raw and cooked foods separate and use different utensils with them.

• Thaw meat in the refrigerator not on the countertop.

• Foods that require refrigeration should not be left at room temperature more than two hours.

• Clean up immediately after a holiday party. Children can get into leftover food or alcohol and choke or suffer alcohol poisoning.

— Arti Allam