By STEVE HURTADO
Copley News Service
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,”
according to the words of a familiar Christmas
tune. But the holiday season also can be the
most dangerous time of the year.
Casting a gloomy shadow on a season usually
filled with joy and cheer are kidnappings, fires
and injuries.
Children are the prime targets for holiday
mishaps. Dazzled by glittering store windows
and bustling crowds, small children may wander
away from their parents in crowded department
stores.
The toys that children wish for each Christmas
also can be potential dangers. Sharp edges,
small pieces that can be swallowed and toys
generally too advanced for toddlers too -often
cause rushed trips to emergency rooms. Even
the Christmas aftermath - boxes with protruding
staples and plastic bags - can be dangerous for a
child.
Serious burns can be the sad result of an
unsafe Christmas tree.
Here are eight tips for a safer Christmas,
including advice from Nell Stewart, child safety
expert and director of consumer affairs, for
Texize, sponsor of Operation Kids, a national
preventive effort to safeguard children, Nancy
Christensen, General Electric’s residential light-
ing specialist, and Tomy Corp.
— If lost in a holiday crowd, a child should be
taught to go to a security guard or a cashier. A
child’s first impulse might be to run out of the
store to search for a parent, or to wander
frantically through the store. They should be
taught to find a guard or store employee to help
them.
— Help a child help himself or herself by
assisting with the yearly “want” list. Watch for
toys designed for an older age group than your
child, discouraging toddlers from those with
. After holiday shopping, check all toys for
sharp edges, parts that can be removed and
swallowed, pinch points and other hazards.
— Once the boxes are opened on Christmas
Day, throw them away along with the wrap-
pings. Avoid boxes with such potential hazards
as protruding staples.
— When trimming the tree, make sure the
lights sets you purchase have a safety endorse-
ment from Underwriters Laboratories. It guar-
antees the set has been inspected and lists
precautions and restrictions. Also, make sure
the lights you select are designed for proper use,
indoor or outdoor.
— Do not overload electrical circuits. Most
home circuits carry a maximum of 15 amps or
1,800 watts. Some newer homes are equipped to
carry 20 amps or 2,400 watts. To figure your
holiday lighting load, multiply the number of
bulbs by the watts-per-bulb. Be sure to include
house lamps, appliances and other electrical
equipment on the same circuit.
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