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Safe Holiday Decorations, Tips From The Red Cross The holiday season is a wonderful time of the year to celebrate with family and friends. The American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) encourages everyone to remember that safety is the primary consideration during the festivities. They urge the public to follow a few simple rules that might help get through this time of year safely. For Gifts •Always follow manufacturer guidelines. •Check for certification by product safety testing organizations. •If it's a toy or game, be aware of choking hazards for small children. Or, be aware of dangerous toys that might have sharp edges and points. •For small children, avoid ribbons, strings and bags that can pose a hazard. When You Decorate Your Home: •Hang decorations out of reach of children. •Don't forget about your pets. Chocolate in small and large quantities will make dogs very sick. A poinsettia, a popular holiday plant, is toxic to cats. Pets can and will get into decorations and holiday goodies, so keep them out of reach. •Monitor open flames - keep a close eye on candles and fireplaces and never leave either unattended. For Your Neighborhood or Community: •Bring some cheer to neighbors who may be disabled or elderly, especially if they live alone. Check on them often all year long. Make sure they are safe and help them prepare in advance for an emergency. Learn if they have special medical needs, if speech/communication barriers exist, or if they depend on oxygen, a wheelchair, or a service animal. •Create a neighborhood team that will know how to assist those who may need an extra hand during an emergency. If "safety" is on your gift list this year, the Red Cross Store at 520 West 49th Street in Manhattan or online at www.nyredcross.org has first aid kits, hand-crank radios and flashlights (no batteries needed), and even a first aid kit for your pet. Or, maybe you might just want to give the gift of a CPR, first aid, or one of the many other classes offered by trained Red Cross instructors. The Red Cross also offers gift cards for merchandise and classes that can be redeemed at the Red Cross Store in boroughs.
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