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Holiday dinner table
Health & Safety Top Story 

Holiday Safety Tips

Michael

Each year, government agencies and organizations like the National Safety Council, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Fire Protection Association, and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issue guidance to help ensure families have a safe and joyous holiday season. NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to share some of those safety tips with you:

Decorate Safely

  • Keep potentially poisonous plants – such as mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis – away from children.
  • If using an artificial tree, ensure that it is labeled “fire resistant.”
  • If using a live tree, cut off about two inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption, remember to water it, and remove it from your home when it is dry.
  • Place your tree at least three feet away from radiators, and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways.
  • Avoid placing breakable ornaments or ornaments with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where small children can reach them.
  • Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.
  • Follow the package directions regarding the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket.
  • Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.
Holiday lighting safety

NYCHA’s Decorating Policy (NYCHA 040.821)

According to NYCHA’s rules and policies, residentsmay hang holiday decorations in their apartments and on their apartment doors, provided that NYCHA property is not defaced or damaged in hanging them. Decorations cannot block any exits. Trees, wreaths, and other greenery should be placed in water whenever possible, kept away from open flames, and disposed when they begin to dry out. Resident associations may decorate public spaces, provided that NYCHA property is not defaced or damaged in hanging decorations. Decorative greens may not be placed in common areas or in any other public spaces. Property management reserves the right to require residents to remove decorations if they are a potential fire or safety hazard. Residents must also remain respectful of other faiths in their holiday decorating choices.

Watch Out for Fire Hazards

Use of candles, combined with an increase in the amount of combustible seasonal decorations in many homes during the holidays, means more risk for fire. The National Fire Protection Association reports that one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles and that two of every five decoration fires happen because the decorations are placed too close to a heat source. Here are some guidelines to help keep you and your family safe:

  • Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over and place them out of reach of children.
  • Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach of children in a locked cabinet.
  • Use flameless (rather than lighted) candles near flammable objects.
  • Never leave candles burning unattended or when you are asleep.
Use battery-operated candles

It’s Better to Give Safely

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers the following tips for avoiding safety hazards when purchasing a gift:

  • Toys are age-rated for safety (and not for children’s intellect and physical ability), so be sure to choose toys in the correct age range.
  • Choose toys for children under 3 that do not have small parts (which could be choking hazards).
  • For children under 10, avoid toys that must be plugged into an electrical outlet.
  • Be cautious about toys that have button batteries or magnets (which can be harmful or fatal if swallowed).
  • When giving scooters and other riding toys, give the gift of appropriate safety gear, too; helmets should be always worn, and they should be sized to fit.
  • When purchasing devices that require the use of lithium-ion batteries, the items must be properly maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines if the battery or device is stored in an apartment. Proper battery maintenance includes only charging the battery with the charger supplied with the device; keeping the battery dry; not opening the battery; and not using the battery if it is damaged, leaking, hot, or producing an odor.

For a healthy holiday season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:

  • Washing hands often to help prevent the spread of germs;
  • Wearing appropriate outdoor clothing such as light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots;
  • Managing stress and getting plenty of sleep;
  • Being smoke-free;
  • Using seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle;
  • Getting your vaccinations; and
  • Eating healthy and staying active.

If you have questions about this or any environmental health and safety matter, please email ehs@nycha.nyc.gov. Residents, employees, and any member of the public can submit environmental health and safety concerns at https://on.nyc.gov/submit-concern.

For more information on holiday safety, please visit: