Here are a few quick tips to help you, your family,

friends and pets have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Christmas Trees & Lights

It's always best to buy a freshly cut Christmas tree at a "you cut" farm. If you buy a pre-cut tree be sure to tap the tree on the ground to make sure that it does not lose needles. Look for a green tree with sap on the trunk and limbs that bend but don't break easily. The tree's fragrance should be a strong pine scent. Ask the tree attendant to cut at least 1-2 inches off the trunk so it will absorb water easier.

Once you've brought your tree home, let it stand upright outside, in a bucket of water, until you are ready to bring it in for decorating. Once you bring the tree inside be sure it is placed in the water-filled tree stand immediately. Be sure to buy a stand that holds at least a gallon of water and keep the water level full at all times. Check the water level daily. Trees drink at least a quart of water a day and more the first few days after it's been cut.

Do not place your tree near any type of heater, radiator, fireplace, candles, or any source of heat. Never use candles on any type of Christmas tree. Do not leave candles burning unattended or in a drafty area near the tree. Try to move or remove furniture to keep your tree in a safe area. Try to avoid overcrowding and keep some ventilation around the tree. Flock trees are pretty but not a requirement. If you must flock your tree be sure to read the can to ensure fire resistance first.

Do not place your tree in a high traffic area to prevent it from being knocked over. Be sure your tree is not top-heavy and that the base is adequate. Additional securing of the tree with a wire might be helpful. If you buy an artificial tree, be sure it has been tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in lights should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.  

Only use UL approved lights with cool-burning light bulbs and do not link more than 3 strands of lights together. Indoor lights should be used indoors only. Do not use lights for a purpose other than indicated. Each year you should check all the lights and wiring for shorts or other malfunctions before placing them on the tree. If you're in doubt it's best to throw them out! Turn off all Christmas lights, including holiday decorations, when you leave your home or when you go to bed.

Keep delicate, breakable ornaments towards the top of your tree to keep your little ones from reaching them. Be sure to use a sturdy, level ladder to safely reach the top of your tree. Keep the safe, unbreakable decorations, with no small pieces, towards the bottom. If a glass ornament does break be sure to vacuum the area thoroughly. Do not string popcorn chains or candy canes on lower branches to prevent children from trying to eat them. Always monitor your child's consumption of candy canes and other holiday snacks.

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

Keep chocolate away from your pets. We may love chocolate but chocolate does not love our pets. Pets are sometimes attracted to the smell and taste of chocolate. In sufficient quantities, chocolate can make your pet very sick and may cause vomiting, diarrhea or death. Store your chocolate where your pet cannot get to it, preferably up high in a container that will not open if dropped.

Don't decorate with tinsel, garland or tinsel covered ornaments because your pet may swallow them. Tinsel can lead to intestinal blockages which could cause you and your pet a trip to the vet. Use safer types of solid core decorations instead. Be sure your tree is out of your pet prone/high traffic areas and secure it so it won't fall over from a wagging tail. If you have a cat, keep an eye on him as sometimes cats will climb inside the tree to enjoy the higher vantage point and in turn knock down the tree.

Keep an eye on your pet’s whereabouts especially as guests come and go. Sometimes pets may wander outside unknown to you. It's a good idea to keep them in a room or a kennel to avoid a disappearing pet.

Keep extension cords out of the way to prevent your pet from chewing on them. The last thing you want to be doing during the holidays is rushing Fido to the emergency vet. Look for tubing at your local pet store that is made specifically to store your extension cords to prevent your pet from seriously hurting himself.

Remember the holiday season is very busy. It can be overwhelming for us humans and can be just as stressful for your pet too. If your pet is stressed or doesn't tolerate large numbers of people, strangers, loud noises or activity, put them in a separate quiet room or kennel and check on them often. Your pet will be more relaxed, in a safe controlled environment and you'll enjoy your company more. Have a safe and blessed holiday season.

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