Safely Ever After Inc. Blog

It’s that time again… load up the cars with the kids, the luggage, the gifts, and head off to ___________ (insert assorted relatives’/friends/neighbors’, airport, the mall, etc.).

Between the parties, events, shopping, and travel, it can be a whirlwind!    With so much activity going on in the next several weeks, it’s a great time to go over some key safety tips to help ensure that everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday season.

Whether you’re driving across town to the mall or headed to a big family gathering, here are some common sense tips to help you navigate through this busy time of year.

Safety Tips When You’re Out & About

1. If children become separated from you while shopping or in any public place, teach them to go to a “safe grownup” for help:  a Mom with kids or the cash register person at the store. Avoid telling children to look for the manager.  Any important looking adult in a suit can be mistaken for the manager.
2. Instruct your kids to NEVER, EVER go looking for you in the parking lot or anywhere else.  Remind them that you’d never leave the area until you are reunited.
3. With fidgety young children, try playing the “Two Steps Away” game when you’re in crowded public areas… Let kids know they can only be 2 Giant Steps away from Mom or Dad at all times.   It’s easier and more fun, than hearing you constantly say things like: ”no running, stay here, etc.”    They’ll be more apt to stay close by if it’s fun for them.
4. Be sure that young children know your cell phone number when you’re out in public.  If necessary, write it down and slip it in their pocket.  Let them know they can ask a “safe grownup” like a mom with kids, to call you on your cell if necessary.
5. Teach older children, the “check first” rule.  Kids must always check with you first before going off to another part of the store, the restroom, play area or anywhere else.
6. Always bring young children into the public restroom with you.  If your child is old enough to use the restroom room alone, be sure to stand right outside the door and call in to him “Are you okay?” “I’m right here”.  This lets a potential predator know you’re watching closely and makes you less likely to be a victim.

Safety Tips for Holiday Parties

1. Let children decide for themselves how they want to express affection.   Try not to insist that your child hug or kiss a relative that they don’t want to.
2. Keep an eye on beverage glasses containing alcohol or other adult drinks.  Small children can innocently ingest a harmful drink that looks like soda or juice.
3. Remember that homes you visit may not be childproof.  Keep a watchful eye out for danger spots such as stairs, bathroom cabinets, patio doors leading to the backyard, fireplaces, etc.
4. When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.”
5. When purchasing a live tree, needles should be green and hard to pull from the branches.  It should not lose many needles when tapped on the ground.

(Check the water level every day.  Warm rooms can dry out a live tree quickly.  A 6 foot tree will use approximately 1 gallon of water every two days.

1. Use only UL-listed lights and do not string more than 3 strands together.
2. Never use indoor extension cords outside.  And be sure to use only “outdoor” lights outside.
3. Place candles away from combustibles and in sturdy containers to prevent toppling over.  Remember:  Hot wax can burn children.  Be sure to extinguish all candles before going to bed or going out.
4. In homes with small children, avoid decorations that have sharp edges, small pieces, or are easily broken.  Avoid decorations like resemble food or candy, which can tempt little ones.
5. Be sure your smoke alarm is in good working order and that batteries are fresh.  Consider installing at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home.