The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) recommends the following tips for keeping children safe this season:
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Never leave a child unsupervised while cooking or when an electric or gas stove is within reach. Unattended cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires during the holidays.
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Never use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised. Children may stick their fingers or other objects through the protective guards, causing burns or shock.
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Never give any child under ten years old a toy that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated.
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When visiting the homes of others, remember they may not be childproofed. Be wary of any obvious safety hazards to your child.
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When buying presents for children, avoid any items that might be flammable.
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Make sure all electrical toys bear a fire safety label from a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
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Don't allow children to play with electrical toys near water and make sure they know that water and electricity don't mix.
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Keep young children away from electrical and extension cords.
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Keep liquids away from electronics, such as TVs, VCRs and computers as they could spill and cause a shock or fire.
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Avoid putting Christmas tree lights, ornaments, metal hooks, and other small "mouth-sized" decorations near the ground or on the lower limbs of a tree where they may easily be reached by an infant or a young child.
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Replace worn or frayed electrical cords with appropriately insulated and protected cords.
