We’re close to embarking on a wonderful time of year to spend with friends and family, surrounded by splendid decorations and gifts.
As appealing as they are, these home decorations, as well as certain gifts, can pose a risk and cause injuries.
Here’s five categories of products designed to brighten your holidays, but that could also ruin them if not used as intended. We encourage you to follow these tips to help minimize the risks:
Holiday trees
- Place the tree away from heating vents, radiators, stoves, fireplaces and burning candles.
- Make sure the tree is green and that its needles do not come off or break easily. Water it to prevent it from drying out prematurely. Throw it away after the holidays or when it is dry.
Holiday lights and decorations
- Only use lights that have the mark of an accredited certification agency in Canada, such as CSA, cUL or cETL.
- Light strings and other decorations are rated for indoor or outdoor use, choose accordingly.
- Discard any wires that are frayed or have exposed wires, loose connections or broken light sockets.
- Avoid plugging too many lights and decorations into an outlet. Overloaded circuits can overheat and start a fire.
Toys
In Canada, all toys are regulated to make sure they are safe for use by children. Even so, unsafe toys can make their way onto store shelves and into homes. Sometimes the ways toys are used can expose children to hazards, and other times, it is buying toys online that poses a risk, since we cannot tell whether they are counterfeit or of poor quality.
- When buying toys, look for sturdy and well-made ones that include the manufacturer’s contact information.
- Read and follow all age labels and safety messages. Toys intended for older children may have small parts or other features that make them unsafe for younger children.
- Keep small toys and any loose parts/accessories, such as button batteries, out of the reach of children under three years of age, who tend to put objects in their mouths and could choke.
Learn more by reading the “10 Reasons Toys End up on Health Canada’s “Naughty” List”.
Batteries
Children can swallow small batteries, like button batteries, which can cause serious internal injuries and even death.
If you don’t properly install, use, store and dispose of your batteries, they can cause serious injury if they:
- overheat
- leak
- burst
- catch fire and explode
Lithium-ion batteries are more volatile and can cause widespread damage and harm if not used safely. Report any battery-related injuries directly to the original manufacturer. You can report incidents to Health Canada by filling out a consumer incident form.
For more tips, check out the Battery safety page.
Video: The life-threatening dangers of swallowing a button battery
Candles
Candles can be a serious fire hazard if not used properly.
- Extinguish all candles before going to bed or leaving the room. Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Do not burn candles on or near anything that could catch fire (like curtains, bedding, combustible decorations and clothing).
- Cut candle wicks short to prevent high flames. Preferably use flameless candles.
Visit the Candle safety page for more safety tips.
Fireplace
- Avoid burning wrapping paper in the fireplace. Wrapping paper ignites suddenly and burns intensely, which may result in a dangerous flash fire.
- Before using your fireplace, have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional. Always check that the flue is open before lighting up.
For a safe Holiday season, check the Recalls and Safety Alerts website for the latest recalls.
For more tips, check out the Tips for holiday safety page.
Health Canada & the Public Health Agency of Canada, Ontario Region