Childproofing your home for the holidays
"Keep holiday houseplants and Christmas trees out of the reach of small
children and pets," warns Debra A. Quadrani, clinical preceptor of pharmacy
at UB and director of the WNY Regional Poison Control Center at Children's
Hospital of Buffalo. Berries from holly, mistletoe and Jerusalem cherry, if
consumed in quantity, are poisonous to children and pets. Christmas tree
decorations, as well as plant parts, can cause choking in children and
pets.
Other pointers:
· Remind guests to keep medicines and tobacco out of the reach of
children and pets.
· Place antifreeze, windshield cleaners and other liquids for cars and
snow blowers on higher garage shelves. Don't transfer these to old milk
cartons or containers that children associate with food or drink.
· Remove glasses with leftover alcohol products from surfaces where
children can reach them.
· Remove balloons from the reach of children. Children can easily choke
on balloons that are not inflated, as well as pieces of balloons that have
been popped.
· Do not give toys to children unless the minimal age requirement is
met. Small parts and pieces from toys can cause choking in small children.
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