Christmas is nearly upon us, and many here in Tamaqua are either preparing for holiday guests or making lists and packing to visit distant friends and relatives.
In all the excitement, it’s easy to overlook some basic safety tips. They’re especially important if you have small children or pets in your home – or if you’re expecting them during the holidays.
The tree: Ensure that the tree is firmly in its stand and will not tip over if tugged on by an excited child or dog – or climbed by a curious feline. If necessary, use a strong cord to anchor it to the wall.
Before you drape those lights on the tree (or anywhere else) check to see that no cords are frayed – or chewed. Some critters are drawn to the plastic coating on electrical cords.
Be mindful of glass ornaments. When chewed by an ambitious dog or child, they can lead to a trip to the emergency room. Keep them out of reach! And… keep watch for ornaments that have fallen and broken.
Floral arrangements: We all know that small children and pets can't seem to resist putting things into their mouths, so be cautious.
You’ve probably always heard that Poinsettias are toxic. They are. However, they probably won’t kill your children or pets because they taste so bad that most won’t ingest enough to do permanent damage, though it can cause nausea and vomiting.
The pesticides that may have been sprayed on those Poinsettias is far worse than the plants themselves. This poison is especially dangerous for small pets, puppies, and kittens. Reactions include seizures, coma, and in some cases, death.
Holly and mistletoe are more toxic than poinsettias. In fact, some animal health practitioners recommend keeping them out of your house entirely if you have pets. Mistletoe can cause severe drops in blood pressure, hallucinations, breathing problems, seizures, and even death.
More dangers: Lilies, daffodils, and amaryllis. Toxic to both dogs and cats, they can be lethal for cats.
The tree itself: Yes, it’s mildly toxic, but since the oils burn a pet’s mouth, they aren’t apt to ingest much. If they do, the needles can cause gastrointestinal irritation and obstruction, and even intestinal punctures.
The greater danger is from the water – this can quickly turn toxic, especially if the tree had been fertilized or if you had a freshening agent to the water. Just a few laps can result in a sick animal, so take steps to prevent pets from drinking from the tree stand.
The danger to your home and possessions: If you’re going out of town, tell only those who must know. For instance, your next-door neighbor, your pet sitter, your parents or children, and any clients who might be expecting to see you.
Vacant homes at Christmastime are a magnet for thieves, so get someone to retrieve your mail and/or newspapers every day and possibly to go in and out of the house occasionally. You might even want to consider hiring a house sitter.
Meanwhile, do NOT announce your pending trip to your friends on Facebook. It would be nice to believe that everyone accessing your Facebook page is indeed a “friend” but unfortunately, it isn’t so. Thieves troll those pages on the lookout for notice of homes that will be unoccupied.
If you've been waiting until after the holidays to list your Tamaqua house, get in touch!
I'll be happy to do the preliminary work now so you can get off to a fast start - perhaps even before January 1.
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