The holidays look a little different for everyone. For some it may include cozying up next to the fireplace with a good book or a movie. For others it may be visits with family and friends with lots of coming and going. If one thing is true for most, it’s that when you’re on holiday, routines often are disrupted and you may be distracted by the festivities. We want everyone to enjoy the season. Today we’re going to talk about hazards that are common around the holidays so that you can keep your family safe from injury this holiday season.

Key takeaways:

• The holidays are a time when schedules and routines are disrupted so your normal supervision level may be affected as you try to juggle all the “to dos”. It’s a time when you bring out items you use once a year, e.g., decorations. Be aware these items will be attractive to children so put breakables and candles up high and check for choking hazards. 
• You may be visiting family and friends, so children are in different environments and the homes you’re visiting may not have children so food and other items may be accessible. Or you’re having visitors to your home and so your attention may be distracted. Have a designated supervisor for young children to watch they aren’t eating food they may choke on, or hurt themselves such as with lit candles.  
• Burns are a common injury seen in the emergency department, from hot liquids, hot food and fireplaces. These injuries can be very severe. Use lids on hot beverages, be aware of children in the kitchen (where everyone likes to congregate!), and either put a guard around the fireplace or don’t use it while young children are around.

Guests:
Samantha Bruin, parent
Breanne Harmon, parent
Dr. Lynne Warda, Associate Professor at the Department of Pediatrics & Child Health,and Associate Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of Manitoba


Resources:
- For more information, visit parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/winter-holidays/
- Holiday fire prevention tips from the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs: oafc.on.ca/public-safety/holiday-safety/winter-holiday-safety
- About Kids Health on Holiday Safety, from Sick Kids Hospital: aboutkidshealth.ca/holidaysafety

Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.