Holiday Safety
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Halloween Safety
Winter Holiday Safety
Fireworks Safety
Contact Information
Links of Interest
Injury Prevention Home Page
National Safe Kids Campaign
Halloween Safety

Costumes:

  • Should be flame-resistant fabric.
  • Should be light, bright and clearly visible to motorist.
  • Should be well fitted.
  • Make sure mask fits securely, has adequate ventilation
    with large eye hole.

Decorations:

  • Keep candles & Jack-o-lanterns away from flammable items.
  • Keep pathways clear for trick or treaters.
  • Keep home inside and out well lighted

Pedestrians:

  • Children should walk with an adult.
  • Children should be cautious about walking thru lawns and between parked cars.
  • Children should carry flashlights.
  • Add reflective tape to their costumes.

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Winter Holiday Safety

Decorations:

  • Look for a fresh tree if you choose to buy a natural tree and keep it in a container full of water. (A safer option would be to buy a fire-resistant artificial tree.)
  • Remember your children when you decorate. Do not put ornaments or lights on lower branches where small children can reach them.
  • Check all lights to make sure there are no loose sockets, frayed wires or loose connections. Turn off tree lights when unattended.
  • Keep hard food, candies, nuts and popcorn out of reach of children.

Shopping:

More than half of the approximately 3.8 billion toys sold each year in the United States are sold during the holiday season. Keep these recommendations in mind.

  • Follow age recommendations listed on toy packages.
  • Avoid toys with strings, straps or cords longer than seven inches.
  • Avoid toys with small removable parts. These are a choking hazard for children under three.

Outdoors:

  • While sledding, use sturdy and safely constructed equipment (avoid makeshift sleds). Never put two or more children on a single sled, and consider having your children wear helmets.
  • Dress in several thin layers to avoid hypothermia and frostbite.
  • When skiing or snowboarding, wear a helmet, eye protection and sun block.

At Home:

  • Have your furnace inspected each year to ensure it is working properly.
  • Install smoke and CO2 detectors on each level of your home.
  • Keep emergency numbers updated and posted.

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Fireworks Safety
  • Only adults should light fireworks
  • Buy only the amount of fireworks you plan to use.
  • Keep a water bucket, water hose or fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Use eye protection.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at other people, cars, or homes.
  • Light one at a time and away from flammable materials and other people.
  • Do not try to relight improperly working fireworks.
  • Keep pets indoors in a safe place leaving TV or radio on for distraction. In case they escape make sure pets are wearing a tag. Consult a veterinarian for more information.

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Contact Information

Geri Essen
Health Promotion Director
Phone: 435-615-3912
gessen@utah.gov

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Lyndsi Marshall
Health Educator
Phone: 435-615-3917
lmarshall @utah.gov

Erin Watts
Health Educator
Phone: 435-615-3954
erinwatts@utah.gov
Links of Interest

National Safe Kids Campaign
American Academy of Pediatrics Holiday Safety Tips
American Red Cross Winter Holiday Safety
National Safety Council Holiday Season Safety
Holiday Safety at Keep Kids Healthy

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