Reader TTS

6. CHRISTMAS TREE, CANDLE OR COOKING FIRES EXAMPLE: When a candle set an artificial Christmas tree on fire, a man tried to put it out with his feet, burning his feet and lower legs. Although

Christmas tree fires are rare, when they happen, they tend to be serious, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Almost a third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by

electrical problems. Another 20 percent happen because a heat source was placed too close to the tree. The number of fires caused by candles is also high at this time of year, with 22

percent of all candle fires happening in December or January. And cooking fires happen more often on holidays, because cooks tend to get distracted when their kitchen is full of people. Food

left on the stove is the biggest cause of kitchen fires. SAFETY TIPS: If you have a real tree, water it every day because dry needles and wood catch fire more easily. Inspect light strands

for worn or frayed cords before you place them on your tree, and make sure you’re not overloading electrical outlets. As for candles, keep them in sight and away from flammable items. When

you leave your home, blow out candles and turn off your holiday lights. Also, make sure your smoke detectors are working. 7. FOOD POISONING Bacteria multiply when food sits out for too long

at holiday gatherings, causing food poisoning in those who eat it. You can also get sick from eating uncooked cookie dough that contains contaminated flour or eggs, or consuming holiday

foods such as eggnog or hollandaise sauce made with raw eggs that aren’t pasteurized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Older adults are at higher risk of

food poisoning because their immune systems and organs don’t recognize and get rid of harmful germs as well as they once did, the CDC says. Nearly half of people age 65 and older who get

sick from salmonella, campylobacter, listeria or E. coli are hospitalized. SAFETY TIPS: Cook food thoroughly (use a food thermometer), and refrigerate perishable foods within two hours. Use

pasteurized eggs for foods containing raw eggs. For more food safety tips, check out these ways to safely store and use holiday leftovers. 8. KIDS, ADULTS OR PETS INGESTING THINGS THEY

SHOULDN’T EXAMPLE: A woman reported that she woke up to find a 4-year-old on the kitchen counter eating marijuana cookies that she had hidden in a Christmas box behind other items. Levine

says he has seen several cases where grandparents were the ones who accidentally ate marijuana brownies or gummies that belonged to their children or grandchildren. “They come in dizzy,

thinking they are having a stroke,” he says. “If you are staying at someone else’s house, make sure you know what you’re eating.”  Tragically, toys can be deadly for children. A report from

the CPSC found toys were linked to 10 deaths and an estimated 154,700 injuries in 2023 for children 12 and younger. Most of the deaths were from chocking on small parts, balls or crayons.

Scooters were involved in the largest share of injuries among all age groups, 53,000 — one in every five toy-related injuries to children younger than 15. The CPSC issued a warning this week

against a high-powered magnetic ball toy set because children are at risk of injury or death if they swallow the magnets. The commission also warned parents and caregivers not to give water

beads to small children, because they can cause injuries and death. The most dangerous item a child can ingest is adult medication, and it happens a lot, Levine says. Medications are

tempting for children because they are small, round and colorful — just like candy. “Grandparents come stay in their grandkids’ house, and they’re used to being by themselves, so they leave

their medicines out on the counter or nightstand, whatever they normally do. Then we see kids get into those pills,” Levine says. Pets are at risk around the holidays as well. The ASPCA

Animal Poison Control Center has a full list of hazardous foods, including avocados, citrus and nuts. Other holiday hazards for fur babies: Wires can deliver electric shocks, mistletoe can

cause heart and gastro problems if ingested, and if your pets like Christmas tree water, they could come down with nausea or diarrhea. Even sparkly tinsel can be dangerous to pets, causing

severe vomiting and digestive track obstruction. SAFETY TIPS: Put away toys with button batteries, magnets and small parts. Store medications in childproof containers out of the reach of

children. If you think a child may have ingested something dangerous, call poison control at 800-222-1222. For pets, be aware which foods are toxic and don’t leave them within reach. Watch

the wires and stick to lights and ornaments on the tree, the poison control center advises. Editor's note: This article, first published December 15, 2022, has been updated with new

information.