Xmas safety tips.

Besides "Don't drink and drive!" or having a fire extinguisher handy to the tree do you have any other tips for a safe holiday season.

Merry Xmas, Happy new year.

Don't lick the lightbulbs. Not only do they get hot, some bite back.

Remember to keep your keep your house keys handy after a Christmas night out.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8425781.stm

go gently with the clamshell packaging...

Oh, plenty:

- beware fake holiday decorations (lights, extension cords)
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/12/18/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main5995143.shtml

- Keep candles away from children, pets and combustible materials, always making sure to blow them out before leaving the room or going to sleep.

- Don't overload extension cords.

- Don't string together too many Christmas lights (electrical overload > overheat > fire)

- Stay in the kitchen while cooking, as unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires.

- Keep a close eye on anyone cooking or smoking while under the influence of alcohol.

- Ensure that there is at least 3 feet of clearance for all space heaters.

Otherwise have a happy holiday!

Check your CO detectors.

If you use a fireplace or woodstove, be aware of your chimney condition.

Watch for small toys on and around the stairs.

Consider that a dry pine tree isn't just flamable, it's near explosive. They can go up just like they were soaked in gasoline.

Watch for friends and relatives driving after the party.

Don't stand under the giant ball when it drops at new years.

Don't leave the chow out on the table for six hours while you watch TV.

Avoid the fruitcake, or anything made by questionable relatives.

Don't get between Uncle Bob and the buffet.

- Don't drink to excess around the in-laws; you may say something you will regret later on .

- When re-gifting a lame gift from years past, don't give it back to the person who gave it to you (or to anyone else who will open it in front of them).

- What IR said. That goes for metal poles and 9-volt batteries too.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

Some of these are probably a bit late for this year:

Do not hang that treasured family heirloom ornament where the cat can reach it (or any other small critter ).

If you have little ones (of any species), don't decorate the tree with anything edible. After it's hung on the tree for a while, it's no longer edible.

Cut a half-inch (1 cm) off the bottom of the tree just before putting it in the stand, and add water immediately. That will open up the pores and let it take up the water better.

Contrary to popular opinion, some the things you're supposed to add to the water to keep the tree fresher longer do the opposite. Just use plain water, and check it DAILY. You may be surprised how much water it can take up, especially the first few days.

Don't burn wrapping paper in the fireplace.

Heck, I am so safety conscious I water my artificial tree!

Not quite a safety tip; but if your family get gatherinds descend into rows; have an outsider present who they'll have to behave in front of.
The Sock

save the silica gell to put in your survial gear to keep the humiditiy down

Don't celebrate X-mas. Festivus.

Good one Ty. I also have a packet of activated charcoal that I can't find a use for. I am guessing it is for odor control so was planning on sticking in a stinky shoe or in a musty closet. Any other suggestions?

Also along these lines, I used to work at a retail store that sold shoes and there were always packets of the silica gel included in the box. Make a good friend at one of these stores and they could save those for you if you need them.