Servpro of Point Loma has put together a list of potential hazards and dangers that you and your family should be aware of. Please take a moment to look them over... this list can make the difference between a holly jolly Christmas and a very bad near year!
Hidden Dangers of Christmas
Christmas Trees
- A very dry Christmas tree can present a fire danger and cause fire damage. When purchasing a natural tree, cut 1/2" off the trunk so that the tree can soak up the water. Keep a constant supply of water in the stand. Natural trees can "drink" a lot of water, especially when first set up.
- The tree itself may be a danger to your pet if your decorations are edible or the tree is sprayed with insecticide or preservatives, but the stand the tree goes in is even more dangerous. A dog will often, if it can get under the tree, drink the water in which the tree sits. This water, if left for some time, will grow bacteria that can make your dog sick if it drinks that water, and if the tree has been treated to make it stay fresh longer, that will seep into the tree water and is poisonous to animals.
- It is important to keep any heat sources away from the tree and use only UL listed light strings if you do decorate the tree with lights.
- If you decorate your tree with electric lights your animal can become entangled in them and your animals may chew on the lights or the electrical cord and be badly burned or even electrocuted.
- The glass ornaments that you hang on your tree may fall off and break, getting glass on the floor that you pet can step on and cut its paws
- Plants such as mistletoe berries, holly and poinsettias are either poisonous or can cause irritation.
- If you put candy canes on your Christmas tree, animals will often eat the candy canes wrappers along with the stolen candy! The same goes with Christmas cookies. This will make your dog vomit at least, and may require a trip to the veterinarian.
- Any gifts that you put under your tree may become chew toys for your dog. And if there is anything dangerous in those packages it will inevitably be checked out by your dog if not chewed on.
Most Common Accidents
- Parents stabbing themselves with scissors they have grabbed instead of screwdrivers to assemble toys
- People cutting themselves with knives which they are using to open presents too quickly
- Children falling off rocking horses or smashing new bikes into walls
- Tripping over toys and trailing cables in the rush to try out new computers and other appliances
- Gravy exploding in microwave ovens, hot fat spilled on the cook as they try to grapple with a big turkey and nasty cuts when chopping piles of vegetables
- Tipsy party guests toppling down stairs or crashing to the floor when they miss their seat at the dinner table
Sources:
http://petcaretips.net/dog-christmas-trees.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-331881/Hidden-dangers-Christmas.html
http://www.ci.roseville.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=1415
*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips! ***
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