Holiday safety tips

Keep your family safe from injury this holiday season by following this safety checklist. Credit: Fotolia
Keep your family safe from holiday hazards with this safety checklist from AFC Doctors Express walk-in medical centers:
--Artificial trees should have a “fire resistant” label.
--Keep all trees away from heat sources such as fireplaces and candles.
-Use lights tested for safety by nationally recognized testing labs.
--Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. It could cause a flash fire.
Carve the turkey, not your fingers
--Carving accidents are prevalent during the holidays because hosts are often rushing, talking and drinking when cutting up the turkey, ham or roast.
--Never cut toward yourself. Your free hand should be placed opposite the side you’re carving.
--Keep knives dry, because a wet handle is slippery and could cause your hand to slip onto the blade, resulting in a nasty cut.
--Keep all utensils sharp so you don’t have to force the cutting or carving.
--Make sure the carving station is a NO KID zone.